Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

[mnerren]

I have a small oil leak on the stern drive where the lower and upper piece meet together on the starboard side only. Just a drip per day on the driveway. It looks like it could be the gasket, need to know if this is serious or okay to take out into the water. Just bought the boat and didn't see it until it sat in my driveway for a few days. I've attached picture from th web that I found, I have an arrow pointing to where it is coming from. It is coming from the area where the two pieces are joined together, I checked the bolts and they are tight. What's your thoughts. I'm new here so let me know if I'm a complete idiot. This is on a 1997 Chapparal 1830 SS LE, if it matters. Mercruiser Alpha One Gen + is what is says on the stern drive.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

There is a small O ring called a "quad seal" between the units to seal the oil passage, other than that there are some drive shaft seals that can also leak .Best to find and fix the leak BEFORE you run out of gear oil.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

I have a small oil leak on the stern drive where the lower and upper piece meet together on the starboard side only. Just a drip per day on the driveway. It looks like it could be the gasket, need to know if this is serious or okay to take out into the water. Just bought the boat and didn't see it until it sat in my driveway for a few days. I've attached picture from th web that I found, I have an arrow pointing to where it is coming from. It is coming from the area where the two pieces are joined together, I checked the bolts and they are tight. What's your thoughts. I'm new here so let me know if I'm a complete idiot. This is on a 1997 Chapparal 1830 SS LE, if it matters. Mercruiser Alpha One Gen + is what is says on the stern drive.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... Ya, it needs fixin',....

If oil is gettin' out, Water will get In,...

 

[achris]

Re: Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

Hello... Might be time to read through the stickies... I have a document there that details all the leak points on an Alpha style drive....

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...rives/od-presure-test-524743.html#post3556520

 

[cr2k]

Re: Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

If it's a gen II it might be the seal below the waterpump.

 

[mnerren]

Re: Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

I was going to take it apart myself, but since it's new to me I took it in to my local marine service place so I can be sure it's fixed right. Thanks for all the information, I will let you know what they find. They said it didn't sound serious based on the place it was leaking from and the oil was still clear so hopefully no water has gotten in, but only taking it apart will find out.

 

[nola mike]

Re: Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

Have them replace the impeller while they're in there.

 

[mnerren]

Re: Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

The impeller was just replaced by the previous owner, that's what caused the oil leak. They did a pressure test and found where it was leaking, probably didn't need to do one to find it, they said it was the quad ring was crushed, apparently when it was put back together. So a $2.00 part cost me an arm and a leg to replace. But at least now I know it's right.

 

[nola mike]

Re: Small oil leak on the Mercruiser Stern Drive

Glad to see you got it fixed. Next time something breaks, folks here can talk you through most repairs. Have fun boating!