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Mercruisor Alpha One

G

gunner

New member
I have a 1987 Mercruisor Alpha One. I changed the gear box oil several months ago and I now notice that I have a oil leak. It appears to be gear box oil and it is leaking between the transom and the outdrive. Where could this oil be coming from, the leak is minor with a 2" spot on the concrete after several months. I do notice small oil streaks coming as I said between the transom and outdrive. Should I be concerned about it or is this normal and how do I repair?
 
...it is leaking between the transom and the outdrive.
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Raise the OD and get under it w/a flashlight and rag. W/oil coming out at that location it appears you may have two issues; a cracked/split bellows and an upper OD drive shaft seal leak. The only way to be sure is to remove the OD nd look for oil in the bellows.
 
Being that the oil is green in color same as the gear lube oil, I would lean toward a upper OD drive shaft seal. Don't know enough about the bellows of why you believe that could be a cause also. Do you have any idea of how much it will cost to repair either one if I take it to a boat repair mechanic?
 
if you have one sometimes the tube leading to the lube oil bottle leaks or the plastic piece it connects to gets loose or cracks.
 
The cost depends on what is wrong,

the first thing that needs to be done is to drain the gear lube and pressure check the outdrive.

this is done with a hand pump with a guage attached to it. it screws into the drain or vent hole. It is pumped up ~ 15 psi and you watch and listen and also move the prop/shift shaft/ujoint assembly to see if there is any air leaking by.

this is the ONLY way to identify what is leaking!!

Once the source has been identified then the seal (s) will be replaced.

Assume ~ 3 hours labor +/- at ~ $75-$90 an hour plus parts would be my guess for a certified shop to do it.

Just becareful they dont try to sell you a upper yoke assembly unless it is truly needed. That is the part the upper carrier seal seals to and it can and does go bad but that would be a pricy item and could tripple the cost.
 
Don't know enough about the bellows of why you believe that could be a cause also.
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kghost is correct w/the pressure test; be there when it is done. Don't get taken advantage of by an unscrupulous shop. Get informed about the issues before you get an estimate at a shop you don't have knowledge of their service history. You need to check "replace mercruiser bellows" and "alpha one reseal" on you tube so that you understand how and why it's done. W/all due respect, you will get burned by a crooked shop if you walk in with a "I'm dummer than a rock" look on your face--I did. Get informed before you go. Ask your friends which shop is reliable. Spring is coming in 30 days and shops will be busy.

The drive shaft is enclosed w/in the bellows to keep water out. If the seal for the shaft is leaking the oil will accumulate w/in the bellows. IF the bellows is split from dry rot and age...1987...then the oil will run out onto the ground. Complete (3) bellows replacement w/water hose and lower shift cable is $500-600 depending upon the shop...cheap insurance. All should be done together about every ten years.
 
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I raised the outdrive this morning to look at the bellows. I found the bellows for the shift cable had a light misting of oil on it and the bellows above it just had a couple of light spots of mist of oil. There was no oil coming out of the ends of the bellows where the fasten to either the outdrive or the engine. What are your thoughts based on this information.
 
Reread my other post..........

an unexperience visual will not troubleshoot an issue.

Your boat is a 1987, the standard outdrive yearly service needs to be done and a pressure check done at the same time.
I have a 1987 boat myself, I pressure check my outdrive every year (spring) when I do my outdrive service...........

No guessing hear!!!
 
The problem is fixed; it was the outdrive seal, the rubber had a slit in it. The seal and yoke was replaced because the yoke apparently cut the seal. I saw the parts that were replaced and they were defective. All bellows and universals are in good condition.
 
This is the way things are supposed to be done and work out!!

There is a reason for a certified/qualified shop being in existance........

Now you can have a worry free summer boating season............ (cross my fingers)............lol

Maybe share the cost???

Many of us dont see the coast of these issues when performed by a marine business???
 
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