Oil in hull area

C

Chris Belshe

New Member
Jul 3, 2019
4
Boat Info
2006 Sea Ray 185 sport
Engines
4.3 mercruiser inboard
I recently purchased a 2006 185 with 203 hrs on it. So far have loved the boat but ever since I got it a few months ago there has been some oil in the hull under the motor where the bilge pump is ( I believe). I check all my fluids and it is not missing or running low. I recently cleaned it all out the best I could and wiped it down. Is this typical on these? Could of some just came out when they where changing or adding oil. I am a newbie here so trying to get a grasp of the boat life. Thanks
 
There shouldn’t be oil in the bilge.

Do you notice an oil sheen outside the boat when the bilge pump kicks on?

Check the outdrive reservoir. If the level keeps dropping, that’s a possible source.

A Rusted oil pan will produce a slow leak.

If you have a remote oil filter, the hoses can leak especially at the crimp connections.

Look around the trim pump for leaks.
 
Oil can come from many places. Yes you can spill some during an oil change -- been there. Also feel along the oil pan drain plug under the engine. Check the seal around the valve covers. Good luck.
 
I have yet to even see the bilge pump kick on. I have yet to have enough water in there for it to kick on. I know a little oil can look like a lot. I will check the other areas everyone mentioned after I find an easy way to get to them and find out exactly they are...
 
Check all the areas mentioned above - but also check around the front of the engine around/below the crankshaft - the GM 4.3 is known to develop oil leaks where the timing cover meets up with the oil pan. Oil leaks out and runs along the underside of the oil pan - if the bottom of the oil pan is oily that is likely the cause. The timing cover on these engines is composite and there is this funky gasket between the timing cover and oil pan. It's a bad design and almost all of them leak oil eventually. Mine does, it's leaked a little since I bought it in 2006 with 120hrs - has 700hrs now. It's never gotten worse, it's not much I never need to add oil, I just keep an oil absorber pad in the bilge and wipe things down periodically. If this is where yours is leaking, I would live with it unless it really get's bad, the fix is to pull the engine and replace the timing cover and gasket - and from what I have read it will likely leak again.
 
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As folks have mentioned, it could be a number of things. Best bet is to take the time to really clean up the bilge and mechanicals and see if it reappears. If it does you have a leak that should be easy to spot. Use mirrors to look everywhere to make sure the clean up was complete.
 
sbw1 said:
View attachment 72023 As folks have mentioned, it could be a number of things. Best bet is to take the time to really clean up the bilge and mechanicals and see if it reappears. If it does you have a leak that should be easy to spot. Use mirrors to look everywhere to make sure the clean up was complete.
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Great idea with the mirrors on this one since I am kind of a bigger shoulder guy it isn't easy for me to get into some of these spots
 
Presumably your boat has power steering and with that comes a power steering cooler. Check both the high pressure lines (lines with elbows and flare nuts) and return line (lines with typical hose clamps). The lines will pass through a cooler either before or after the actuator cylinder. But, check all power steering hoses and connections.
 
Check your remote oil filter lines if so equipped. It’s fairly common for the fittings to start leaking after 10-12 years.
 
There is an additive you can add to the lubes that illuminates with us light. Add it to each lube (ps,engine oil, tab oil, is lube, etc) until you find the source.
 
spikedaddy99 said:
Do 185's have tabs? Could it be trim fluid?
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It looks like motor oil more than anything. I am still trying to figure out some of the things people are saying. I bought the Mercruiser repair manual before I got the boat a few Months ago. Still trying to figure out these mysterious boat motors
 
Chris Belshe said:
Still trying to figure out these mysterious boat motors
Click to expand...

The engine itself is very similar to an automotive engine with 2 exceptions.....

1. Water cooled exhaust manifolds and risers which are large, heavy and block access to many other items.

2. The dam thing is down in a hole so you get to work upside down and enjoy the blood rushing to your head!
 
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