gear oil leak

[jasguild]

I noticed a small puddle of gear oil coming from my grate yesterday. Its kinda hard to tell if it is coming from the shaft seal or the drain and fill holes but it looks to me more likely that its coming from the shaft seal.

Is this seal something that can be changed without having to pull the engine?

Is this a DIY project or do I have to find a mercury specialist?

thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

I would start by pulling the nozzle, stator, and impeller. And HOPE that it's just the stator.


If it's the shaft seal... the engine has to come out, and then the pump gear box.

 

[jasguild]

Thanks Dr. Honda

I went under the boat again and looked through the grate. I am seeing the traces of oil around the area that is front of gear box ie closer to the front of the boat. Correct me if I am wrong but if it was coming from the stator wouldn't the oil trace be from the back of the gear box? This is not exactly the news I want to hear but it is what it is.

I also rechecked the puddle and its not as bad as I thought. It has probably a teaspoon of oil (no more than a table spoon) but there is definitely a small leak.

This weekend I will drain it and see how much oil comes out and whether it is milky

Any other ideas will be appreciated

 

[Dr Honda]

The stator is the part with the veins, by the nozzle. It has a bearing and oil in it.


It may be helpful to post a picture or two. Since you are saying... "Toward the front of the boat"... I'm thinking of the bearing cap that wouldn't be seen in the grate. (conflicting description)


Regardless... I would still pull the stator. You may find an issue there. If the bearing in it is going bad... the shaft may shift, causing a leak. Besides... it's easy to get at. A problem at the gear box is major surgery.

 

[jasguild]

Hi Dr. HOnda

When I say front of the boat I am referring the view in the grate closest to where the shaft exists the boat.>

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... looks like oil from the drive shaft.

I would still pull the stator. But I would also drain the gearcase oil into a clean container to get a good look at it. (look for metal flakes) And then go from there.