oil in bilge.

[cdt785]

Hi. I have a 1997 3.0 mercruiser that just had a new timing cover put on due to oil leak. The mechanic checked the engine over and underneath with mirrors and swore he got the oil leak taking care of. i have used the boat 4 or 5 times since then,and everytime after i bring it home,I find a dirty coler oil in the ski locker and bilge. The oil in the engine stays full. Any ideals what it could be,or what i should look for. This is my first boat. Thanks in advance.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: oil in bilge.

Was the pan removed to replace the timing cover or at least all the bolts loosed so the pan drops a little? Pretty tough to do without taking the engine out of the boat.

Check all your trim hose fittings to make sure they are tight.

Is your boat used in salt water? Pretty easy for a pan to leak with salt water and a pan that gets a chip in its paint.

 

[cdt785]

Re: oil in bilge.

Thanks for your reply bruceb58. The timing cover is new...I saw the old one and where it had a small hole forming.Don't think he took the engine out. Will clean oil end up looking dirty in the bilge,while mixed with some sea water?..I have a 17' bowrider and it gets choppy in the river I boat in. I will look at the trim hose fittings. By the way, what coler should the trim oil be? The oil in my clear resorvoir looks like milkey white. Thank you again for your reply.

 

[wire2]

Re: oil in bilge.

I think you've found the problem; milky white means there's water getting in. Is the reservoir filled right up to the cap? It will be coming out the vent hole.