Leaking gearcase oil from a Mariner 40

Ed the Duck · 04 February 2006, 14:52

Just come to use my outboard today and found it is leaking small quantities of oil from the water inlets (where my muffs fit) and from around the prop. Decided not to launch- gutted as the weather is beutiful today.

The engine has been stored horizontally over winter (prop down, tiller up) and i've got a feeling that i may have damaged a seal when standing it upright (used the prop as a pivot).

Has anyone any ideas as to the likely damage I have caused and how simple it will be to fix?

Many thanks

Ed

jwalker · 05 February 2006, 00:43

You need to investigate exactly where the oil is leaking from. If it is really coming out of the water inlets, you've either got a crack or the seal below the water pump is failing. I can't imagine any other easy way for the oil to enter the waterways. It didn't freeze with water trapped in it, did it?

Paul F · 05 February 2006, 12:58

Sounds like either drive shaft seal under WP or gear select rod seal.
If you are capable remove gear box, drain oil and put a small amount of pressure in gear box(12psi)and dunk in bucket or bath if Mrs will allow.
Paul

Turbodiesel · 05 February 2006, 20:35

Did you use storage seal when you winterised the engine? Sounds more like the oily black stuff running down the exhaust (leg) and out of the water pick up and exhaust of the prop. Are you sure its gear oil?

Tim M · 06 February 2006, 18:02

Quote:

put a small amount of pressure in gear box(12psi)

I am curious as to how you could so this easily.....

ADS · 06 February 2006, 18:28

Tim the boat in your profile changes weekly! See you have an Osprey Eagle this week!

Tim M · 06 February 2006, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADS

Tim the boat in your profile changes weekly! See you have an Osprey Eagle this week!

Indeed; picked it up on Saturday

ADS · 06 February 2006, 19:09

Looks like a capable bit of kit, and I thought I had too many boats!! You going to bring the Osprey down South or are you keeping the 4.1m for that?

regards,

Alex

Tim M · 06 February 2006, 19:13

I fancy keeping this one for my self. It needs a bit of work which will do over the summer holidays, then review the situation. Plan is take the bottle rack out, put twin jockeys in the back.....

Swifty · 06 February 2006, 19:25

How do you get on towing the rig with a mountain bike?

Ed the Duck · 10 February 2006, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbodiesel

Did you use storage seal when you winterised the engine? Sounds more like the oily black stuff running down the exhaust (leg) and out of the water pick up and exhaust of the prop. Are you sure its gear oil?

Pretty sure it's gear oil- blue and fresh. Engine had been laid on its side, so I guess gear oil could have flowed to the water intake and only dribbled out when I stood it upright.

Hasn't leaked any more during the week so will will drain and pressurise this weekend - thanks for the idea. If it passes the pressure test then I guess no water is going to get anywhere it shouldn't!

Thanks for your help and suggestions

Ed