Oil in the bilge...or something "oil-like"

[Prattbratt777]

Hey gang,
Hope someone can help. Last weekend we went for a long haul on the St. John's River...across Lake George and my 2000 Sundance 290DA (twin 5.0 EFI) ran beautifully. On the way back we stopped for a short spell to swim in the lake and I opened up the engine hatch and saw a lot of oil-ish substance floating in a little water. Looked like maybe it was coming from the starboard motor, but I checked the oil level on both and they seemed ok...maybe a touch low, but not abnormal...particularly given the amount of oil in the bilge. Dropped it off at my mechanic and he said all head gaskets were good...no leaks. Filters...good. Some oil residue from the oil filter housing hoses that lead to the block. Cleaned out the bilge and took it back out again today. More oil in the bilge but this time not as much. After taking some pictures for my mechanic I checked the power steering fluid reservoir and it was almost bone dry. COULD THAT BE MY POSSIBLE "OILY SUBSTANCE" AND NOT ENGINE OIL AFTER ALL? If so, what might be the first things I would check to see where the leak is occurring?

 

[Doc O Rock]

I had the same with my 1999 380 7.4l. It's those oil lines that run to the oil filter. Change both and it will solve your problem. BTW you don't want to do it your self unless you are young and flexible. If you run a paper towel around those lines, you'll find the leaking hose. At 17 years old, those hoses are just shot.

 

[Doc O Rock]

BTW your only looking at a few teaspoons of oil.

 

[boatman37]

I was going to say power steering. Had the same thing on my 250. My hose was cracked right at the power steering cooler. Cut the end off and re-attached.

 

[Prattbratt777]

Thanks, Captains!
Left my boat with the mechanic and will give him instructions to change those oil lines...and find out why my power steering reservoir is losing fluid.

 

[magstang1]

Had the same boat and the same problem. Power steering for sure. Ended up being a loose hose clamp on the back of the engine on one of the lines. Just follow them back with your hands (very tight spot, hard to see) and you will find the clamps. Use a stubby straight blade screw driver.

I did end up changing my oil lines as well, but the problem you have here is 100% power steering.

 

[Dieseljeff]

B Hogan,
Planning on going to Silver Glen this weekend.
You have been there right?

And Dayum!!
To many gators for me to go swimming in lake George

Jeff

 

[Prattbratt777]

Jeff, We've been to Silver Glen many times... but not this weekend as the boat is still with the mechanic. It's one of our favorite summer spots. We attempted to get back into the Springs a few weeks ago but no luck. The water is down in the St. John's River and the entryway to the Glen was just too shallow, so we anchored just outside and had a cookout and a wonderful day. And as many times as we've been on the St. Johns/Lake George...this past weekend was the first time we actually saw an alligator hanging out on the bank. Still haven't seen one out in the middle of Lake George. We swim in it regularly.