mercruiser outdrive water in the oil

[pondscum69]

I have a 165hp with a mercruiser outdrive and everytime I put it in the water I get water in the gear oil. I have taken the outdrive off and put new gaskets and o rings and gimble bearings sooo many times. But no mater what water gets in. What am I doing wrong?

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: mercruiser outdrive water in the oil

The drive needs to be pressure tested (to find the source of the leak). No reason to keep guessing.

I if you feel the housing is cracked, just find another drive. If the prop seal is just bad, it would be worth getting it resealed completely.

Are you getting water in the bellows? If so, then that is why.....

 

[viper10000]

Re: mercruiser outdrive water in the oil

It sounds to me like the oil seals in the bearing carrier might need to be replaced. I had this problem on a 1986 40HP Yamaha in the past. What year is the engine and outdrive?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: mercruiser outdrive water in the oil

You have to locate where the leaks is so it can be fixed. Water in the oil will eventually damage the drive. Here is a link to the Adults Only stick at the top of the fourm -
#8: Testing an Outdrive: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1573303#post1573303
Drain the gear lube before testing if it leaks you can either submerge the drive while under pressure to see where it bubbles or try spraying it down with soapy water, or Glass Cleaner, something that foams.

 

[kd7isf]

Re: mercruiser outdrive water in the oil

You may actually need to do a vacuum test rather than a pressure test. From what I've read, your not leaking oil, just taking on water, correct?

I'm an OMC guy, so the merc's may be slightly different, but on mine, there are double seals -- one keeps the oil in, the other keeps the water out. Even with single seals, it's possible for a seal to hold pressure in one direction but not the other. (Oil pushes out, water pushes in)

Doing a vacuum check would simulate the pressure of the water trying to get in. Listen with a piece of tubing for the hissing noise.

If you are not leaking oil at all -- just taking on water -- odds are a pressure test would not find anything........

Hope this helps......

 

[dubs283]

Re: mercruiser outdrive water in the oil

You may actually need to do a vacuum test rather than a pressure test

vaccuum test is only good on the lower half

the yoke seal in the upper is not designed to keep water out because there should be no water present in the u-joint bellows

to OP:

a pressure test on the complete drive assy will show the leak, use a soapy spray solution on seal areas to ensure accuracy

also, you say you have replaced multiple gimbal bearings?? why?? is there water in the u-joint bellows??