Quick Question for Possible Fuel Leak

[Westie]

Hi there,
Its been a few week since I was at my boat so I drove out today to check on it and run the engines.

I store the boat in a berth with the engines all the way up. When I lowered the engines, I notices a very light film on the water near the port engine; nothing on starboard. I started the engines and everything looked fine but I continued to see film on the port. It was very light but seemed consistent.

I flushed and raised the engines and didn't see anything.

Could I have a leak in the lower unit (gear oil)? I do not recall using a gasket when I did the oil change. What experiences do you have regarding this??? What else should I check?

 

[tsturm]

Hi there,
Its been a few week since I was at my boat so I drove out today to check on it and run the engines.

I store the boat in a berth with the engines all the way up. When I lowered the engines, I notices a very light film on the water near the port engine; nothing on starboard. I started the engines and everything looked fine but I continued to see film on the port. It was very light but seemed consistent.

I flushed and raised the engines and didn't see anything.

Could I have a leak in the lower unit (gear oil)? I do not recall using a gasket when I did the oil change. What experiences do you have regarding this??? What else should I check?

The Lower Unit drain plug will have a gasket / O ring.
The Engine oil plug will have a fiber or metal gasket.
If carb eng. you could have a little fuel leak from the vent's tilted all the way up. I see you have Suzi's (as do I) they also have a reputation for oil in the exhaust through a failed gasket / seal. :wink:

 

[Westie]

Thanks for the reply. Do you think I should pull it out and replace the plugs (along with oil change) or just keep an eye on it?

I have another 45 hours until service is due.

 

[tsturm]

Thanks for the reply. Do you think I should pull it out and replace the plugs (along with oil change) or just keep an eye on it?

I have another 45 hours until service is due.

I am anal about things like that. I would pull it & make sure there are gaskets on the drain, fill & vent lower unit plugs.
:wink:
Have a good one!!!!

 

[breausaw]

Power trim and tilt would be a place to look also, unfortunately.

 

[Westie]

breausaw - interesting you say that. My port engine has had some minor issue with trim/tilt. It made a chattering noise a few times when going down. It literally went away after a few times. I was planning to check the fluid level on the next pull out.

Also - the film on the water was really thin. I'm not experienced enough to say it wasn't gas but it had less color spectrum then gas I've seen. Would hydraulic fluid look more black and white on the surface of the water?

 

[Wefings]

If you have hydraulic steering , check around the steering cylinder as well . That oil is very light . Feel around in the splashwell and the seals on the ends .
Marc

 

[breausaw]

breausaw - interesting you say that. My port engine has had some minor issue with trim/tilt. It made a chattering noise a few times when going down. It literally went away after a few times. I was planning to check the fluid level on the next pull out.

Also - the film on the water was really thin. I'm not experienced enough to say it wasn't gas but it had less color spectrum then gas I've seen. Would hydraulic fluid look more black and white on the surface of the water?

My power trim cylinder failed last year and the sheen looked just like gas, thought it was gas.

 

[hardee]

breausaw - interesting you say that. My port engine has had some minor issue with trim/tilt. It made a chattering noise a few times when going down. It literally went away after a few times. I was planning to check the fluid level on the next pull out.

Also - the film on the water was really thin. I'm not experienced enough to say it wasn't gas but it had less color spectrum then gas I've seen. Would hydraulic fluid look more black and white on the surface of the water?

My power trim cylinder failed last year and the sheen looked just like gas, thought it was gas.

I saw some sheen, that looked like fuel before I had my SeaStar hydraulic cylinder replaced. As mentioned, that hydro oil is pretty thin. Try picking up the "spill" with an oil absorbent pad and smell it. The fuel will smell.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon