Leaking petrol??

[bijou22]

When I leave my boat for a while and then tilt the leg or rock the boat a small film of what looks like petrol comed from the leg. I originally thought it was trim/tilt fluid at the beginning of the season but I have had both rams re-sealed and still the problem is there. There is no fluid drop there and the oil viscosity is fine. I asked a mechanic the other day to take a look and he thinks that there is a small amount of fuel that collects there overtime and is normal on these legs. Is there a seal there that needs replacing or is he about right?

 

[bijou22]

Re: Leaking petrol??

Has anyone had similar problems?

 

[wire2]

Re: Leaking petrol??

That film on the water is not necessarily petrol; It can also be power steering, gear lube, motor oil or trim fluid. It takes only a drop to make a visible iridescent sheen on the water.

Next time you have it out of the water to change the gear lube, put 5 psi of air into the cavity and make sure it stays over time. If not, spray soapy water and look for bubbles.

Do you, or neighboring slip owners ever operate the bilge pump at the dock? It often has a bit of oil in it.