Pinhole leak in outdrive trim line 87 S230

[WinkBuilt]

Mechanic has completed all the repairs and after in water test with new trim pump installed, he discovered a small leak.

He said we can use the boat but the more we trim the more it will leak. He also suggested we strap the outdrive up while trailering just to play it safe.

Boat has a MerCruiser 260 w/Alpha outdrive.

He quoted approx $550 for this repair and the lines won't be avail till late August.

First question....Is this a fair price?
Second question...Could this be DIY? I've done a lot of construction work and some minor auto repairs.
Third...He said the pressure is too high to try to do a temp repair, does the line have to be OEM?

 

[Pirate Lady]

Yes you probably can use
Yes fair price
No construction and automotive does not = outdrive
Yes

 

[Nater Potater]

Fair price? That all depends on what their shop labor is. Figure an hour to do the swap and purge the lines. Depending on the layout, the worst part typically is filling the trim pump
DIY? Absolutely! See above. However, I highly recommend you have the appropriately-sized tubing wrench, as the flare fittings usually are difficult to loosen after having been in service/under water.
Temp repair is unlikely, as the lines are swaged together. 'Really no recourse on that.

Doing a quick search reveals (assuming you're Alpha 1 Gen 2):
https://www.wholesalemarine.com/sterndrive-engineering-power-trim-hose-kits/

and https://www.amazon.com/Mercruiser-h...lpha+One+Parts+gen+2+trim+hose,aps,240&sr=8-1

There's plenty more out there.

 

[WinkBuilt]

Th

Yes you probably can use
Yes fair price
No construction and automotive does not = outdrive
Yes

Thanks for being blunt! Appreciate it.

 

[Shaps]

Mechanic has completed all the repairs and after in water test with new trim pump installed, he discovered a small leak.

He said we can use the boat but the more we trim the more it will leak. He also suggested we strap the outdrive up while trailering just to play it safe.

Boat has a MerCruiser 260 w/Alpha outdrive.

He quoted approx $550 for this repair and the lines won't be avail till late August.

First question....Is this a fair price?
Second question...Could this be DIY? I've done a lot of construction work and some minor auto repairs.
Third...He said the pressure is too high to try to do a temp repair, does the line have to be OEM?

As a temp fix I would try:
https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Tape-RT01019-BRK-RT1000201201USCO/dp/B00AEBKYPG/

Stuff works and if it doesn't you're out $11.....

 

[Pirate Lady]

All good options, reason i said not a temp fix or a diy repair, once that outdrive goes underwater, you have no idea what going on. Better let a pro do it than explode a multi thousand dollar OD.
I do a lot of my own work, outdrive oh hell no.

 

[Shaps]

Wasn't suggesting to NOT fix it.
Since OP said "the lines won't be avail till late August" thought this could be a reasonable temporary fix. I'll stand down. Don't have outdrives, but have used the product successfully.

 

[WinkBuilt]

From the looks of it...Seems to function like a break line...
Our old boat had an electric motor to lift the outdrive so this is new to me.

Might have to try the tape....Can't hurt. We're told we can run it and just keep extra fluid on hand. He's giving us a quart "on the house".

Once we launch and boats in the water if we keep the outdrive down and don't mess with power trim too much, sounds like we should have no fluid loss till we have to raise for beaching or trailering. We go on vaca for two weeks in August to Lake Erie and I want to be able to have some fun.

 

[Pirate Lady]

All good, didnt mean to step on other ideas. Always open to ideas.

 

[WinkBuilt]

As a temp fix I would try:
https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Tape-RT01019-BRK-RT1000201201USCO/dp/B00AEBKYPG/

Stuff works and if it doesn't you're out $11.....

I'll have to see if I can find something higher rated. I guess the PSI is closer to 1900.....although I have no clue if that's accurate.

 

[Pirate Lady]

The pump / resevoir is back by transom. If you keep a bottle or 2 to top it off as it leaks you should be fine. Dont ask me what the goop is, i don’t remember.

 

[Little Ducky]

Boat's on a trailer.

I'd DIY it.

Is the leak on one of the hoses inside or outside the boat.

 

[WinkBuilt]

Boat's on a trailer.

I'd DIY it.

Is the leak on one of the hoses inside or outside the boat.

Yes on trailer. I think it’s near where it goes through hull. I’ll confirm with mechanic when I pick her up from the shop.

 

[Shaps]

I'll have to see if I can find something higher rated. I guess the PSI is closer to 1900.....although I have no clue if that's accurate.

Think this is the highest rated tape i have seen. Please let us know if you find something better.
The more wraps you make the better the temp repair.

 

[WinkBuilt]

Think this is the highest rated tape i have seen. Please let us know if you find something better.
The more wraps you make the better the temp repair.

Never found any higher rated tape…



Anyone see an issue with trying some Stop Leak Tranny Fluid?

 

[Nater Potater]

Anyone see an issue with trying some Stop Leak Tranny Fluid?

That's really only to address leaking shaft seals by causing them to swell a bit, applying a bit more force to the shaft. If it's a leaking hose, there's different forces involved. I won't say "no", but I wouldn't expect it to help in this particular situation.

 

[Shaps]

Honestly not sure why you wouldn't try the tape... What could you possibly stand to lose. $10???

 

[WinkBuilt]

Honestly not sure why you wouldn't try the tape... What could you possibly stand to lose. $10???

I would if I could get to it. Tried tracing the lines and can’t even see where the connection is at.

 

[Nater Potater]

I would if I could get to it. Tried tracing the lines and can’t even see where the connection is at.

We're still unsure if your leak is transom-forward or transom-back. Do you have any pictures of the culprit? I sent you a couple of links for transom-back up in post #3, since those are the items that usually go bad first (exposed to the elements). If it turns out to be transom-forward, try https://www.wholesalemarine.com/new-category/

 

[WinkBuilt]

Ok. I think I’ve found where they go out.


How short of pulling the engine I’m supposed to even get back there?

looking at things. I think I’d have to pull all the sun pads off, the engine box. The sun pad support frame work and the rear of the bench seating just to be able to have a hope at contorting myself to reach that spot…..

At that point is my time better spent letting th shop handle for $500?
Or does someone have a trick up their sleeve.