Elusive Trim Hydraulic Fluid Leak

[Volphin]

Long time since I posted here. Hope you guys are doing well.
I've got a leak that I cannot locate on my '89 Regal 195. It has the 4.3L V6 and Alpha 1 outdrive. It left a puddle on the garage floor, but the lines were dry to the touch. I also can't see any visible leaks from the rams. I'm pretty sure it's very low in the reservoir, because it strains to lift, like it has air in the system. However, it does likely have SOME. Is there somewhere else to poke my head around to find the leak? Any "usual suspects"? Thanks!

 

[achris]

Do you leave the bung out? It could be a pump leak (or the lines between pump and that little manifold under the gimbal housing), and the fluid has them leaked on the floor.

Chris....

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Fill up the pump, 'n Run it,.....

The leak oughta make itself known in a short time of cyclin' the system,.....

 

[Volphin]

A little manifold? I see what looks to be an aluminum plate, under the gimbal, but she's dry, as are the lines. Maybe it is leaking from the drain plug hole. I better pull all the covers and inspect inside. On second thought, it may be that little manifold. I'm actually weeping fluid on the boat lift with the drain plug installed. It would't get past that, so it has to be external... So annoying.

 

[Scott Danforth]

its a 34 year old boat that was designed to last 15 years.

if this little oil leak is all you have, consider yourself lucky

 

[todhunter]

A little manifold? I see what looks to be an aluminum plate, under the gimbal, but she's dry, as are the lines. Maybe it is leaking from the drain plug hole. I better pull all the covers and inspect inside. On second thought, it may be that little manifold. I'm actually weeping fluid on the boat lift with the drain plug installed. It would't get past that, so it has to be external... So annoying.

That aluminum plate is your anode. Remove the bolt in the center of it, and the distribution manifold for the hydraulic trim hoses is under that.