leaking outdrive

[P50mike]

I'm new here, Just bought a 1987 Wellcraft 19' cuddy w/ 165hp mercruiser/Alpha 1 outdrive from a friend. Hasn't been used much for two yrs. Drove it, bought it, put it away. Next day I found a small puddle of watery green lubricant below the outdrive. It appears to be seeping out of small hole on right forward side of lower unit. I'm new to I/O system and would like to know if this is a serious problem or how expensive it will be to get fixed. Can I drive the boat as is and get it fixed next week? I looked for help in the archives with no luck, thanks!

 

[alcan]

Re: leaking outdrive

Hi Mike<br />Welcome to the board.I think you may have posted this question in the wrong catagory. The moderators will probably move to the I/O inboard catagory. Mike anytime you buy a new used boat there are several things that need to be inspected before use. The outdrive is one. This should have been inspected before the purchess. I would not use the boat until this problem is solved. If you are mechanicly inclined you can buy a manual and do the inspection and service work yourself. If not have the work done at a reputable dealer or repair center. When purchessing a boat allways make the deal contingent on inspection. Of course the buyer pays for the inspections. A few hundred now can save a few thousand later.

 

[JB]

Re: leaking outdrive

Moving to I/O

 

[beckerdg]

Re: leaking outdrive

This is something you need to deal with quickly. Gear oil leaking out means water leaking into the gearcase of the outdrive. It won't be long before you have a pile of useless rusty parts and a repair bill that exceeds the value of the boat. First step is to change the oil on the outdrive and get the water out, then run to a mechanic to pressure test and reseal the drive. A complete reseal by a marine shop runs less than $300 in our area. <br /><br />After it is fixed checking the oil in the outdrive for level and water contamination should be done often.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: leaking outdrive

It sounds like either the shifter shaft seal or the driveshaft seals need to be replaced.<br /><br />TMD

 

[P50mike]

Re: leaking outdrive

Hello and thanks to all who responded,<br /><br />I contacted the marine dealer who's always serviced this boat and they mentioned the shifter shaft seal too. The boat is in their shop now and will be ready to go today. It would appear that I'm in the wrong line of business after seeing what they charge per hour of labor!<br /><br />I'll have to learn how to work on this thing myself, I have the Clymer manual and experience working on cars and airplanes...could be the right combination to get into trouble.<br /><br />I'll post the results when I know what they are.

 

[jim redeker]

Re: leaking outdrive

Mike:<br /><br />I bought the same boat 3 weeks ago. Thus far, mine runs well and has no engine or outdrive leaks (185 total engine hours). I'd be interested in hearing from you about any other mechanical, maintenance, or performance issues you discover. <br />Jim<br />denisejimmatthew@comcast.net

 

[P50mike]

Re: leaking outdrive

Hi All,<br />The leak was coming from the shifter shaft seal. It was leaking out the weeper(?)hole located on the right side of the lower unit. The marine dealer where the boat has always been serviced fixed it for $227 including the new gear oil. Thanks to all who responded and happy boating.