OMC Milky Oil

[Capt.P]

1988 2.3l Omc Cobra. I had the drive off in spring for regular maintenance everything OK.Used the boat a couple of hours and checked the lower unit oil and it was milky,changed drain plugs and washers, drive oil ,water test milky oil again.Drained oil,pressure tested held 14 psi for 2hours so from learning on this forum it must be getting in from the oil seal on the the shaft. Pulled drive, water in the cavity around the shift cable but no water in u-joint bellows, gasket looked good and I used gasket sealer on it like my OMC manual said.Any ideas?

 

[javsam]

Re: OMC Milky Oil

sounds like a leak from the u-joint bellows.you may have to replace it.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC Milky Oil

When you did the drive pressure test did you turn the prop and drive shaft a few degrees at a time when under pressure? Some leaks only show up when the drive shaft or prop shaft turns.
2 hours is not always enough,i let them set over night.
Pressurize the drive,then take some dish soap and water in a spray bottle and start checking..
Also some leaks only show up in a vacuum test..

 

[sea wolf]

Re: OMC Milky Oil

Check the prop shaft seal, & water pump shaft seal. Sometimes u can see gear oil leaking at these points. If u do, the seal is shot. I would put money on one or the other.

 

[Capt.P]

Re: OMC Milky Oil

Sorry I may have caused some confusion when I mentioned the shaft seal I meant the input shaft oil seal(not sure of the proper name yoke seal maybe?) not the prop shaft.As I mentioned before no water in u-joint bellows just a little oil, the water was in the cavity on the starboard side that houses the shift linkage. The aft end of the bellows attaches to the gimgle housing by hooking over a lip should their be adhesive here?I had a hard time getting the outdrive back on the last 2 inches could it pinch the bellows off the lip causing water to leak in thru that yoke oil seal that is not designed to keep water out?Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Capt.P]

Re: OMC Milky Oil

Pressure testing again 15psi turning prop shaft and input shaft sprayed with soap and water no visible leaks.Checked after 2hrs 30 min 1/2 psi lost?