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Alpha One Sterndrive leak

  • 25-08-2016 1:05pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31


    Hi,

    I have a MAXUM 1800 MX and I have an oil leak from the stern drive. I'm not sure where yet, but its slow and seems to speed up when I have the leg fully up. It is an alpha one on a mercruiser 3.0. Any suggestions as to the common leaks?


Comments

  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,352 Mod ✭✭✭✭fergal.b


    Could be one of the hoses going to the tilt trim ram.




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31 fcdub


    Unfortunately not. Its drive lube. The reservoir in the engine bay is going down slowly.

    When the boat is parked and I lift the trim fully there are bubbles of oil coming to the surface. So I think its our the back rather than in the engine bay.

    Also did an oil change in the leg yesterday, the oil I was given by the marine shop is "premium" rather than high performance mercury stuff. THe new oil is golden the premium is blue......its this a mistake i wonder. Should I have stuck with The high performance stuff?


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,352 Mod ✭✭✭✭fergal.b


    The reservoir in the engine bay is for the tilt trim not the drive.

    Does it look like one of these.


    MerCruiser-Sterndrive-Hydraulic-Trim-Tilt-Assembly-79271A4.jpg


    ipt0088.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31 fcdub


    I have two one for tilt and trim and one for gear lube.....

    forum.chaparralboats.com/index.php?/topic/21911-drive-lube-monitor


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,352 Mod ✭✭✭✭fergal.b


    Ok got you now it must be a add on as I don't think the Alpha one came with them although you can get a kit to fit them.

    They recommend SAE 90 for them, you can also get problems if you mix two different oils so it's always better to drain one out complete before you add another.




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33 bpmdj


    The newer Mercruiser engines have the gear lube in a resevoir on the engine. Alpha One Gen 2. I'm guessing the pipe that goes from the resevoir to the drive is split on the gimbal side or the gasket has gone on it where it connects to the drive.

    Unfortunately it sounds like a drive off to inspect the gaskets and rubber o-rings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31 fcdub


    @bpmdj I think you are correct...I inspected the leg and found a leak in the pipe on the leg end. I cant seem to post an image here. Is is easy to unclip the pipe do you know. the leak appears to be from the fitting that connects to the leg. Its very oily around there.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33 bpmdj


    Unfortunately I've never had to do it I'm afraid (I've an Alpha One Gen 1 drive). There's lots of information about the drive and techniques on YouTube. They'll give you an idea of what's involved. If you're not competant, then drop it into a Marine Mechanic.


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,352 Mod ✭✭✭✭fergal.b


    fcdub wrote: »
    @bpmdj I think you are correct...I inspected the leg and found a leak in the pipe on the leg end. I cant seem to post an image here. Is is easy to unclip the pipe do you know. the leak appears to be from the fitting that connects to the leg. Its very oily around there.


    Sorry you can't post photos till you have over 50 posts but if you like you can PM it to me and I will post it for you, some of the older fittings were brass that screwed into a 5/8 hole in the leg the newer ones are cheep plastic and are easily broken :o If you think the leg has to be removed to get at it you would be better off dropping it into a marine mechanic as you need a special tool to take it off also if you haven't done them in the past few years it would be wise to get a bellows kit and water pipe done while the leg is off.



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