Should I be concerned?

Carpedmman

Member
Feb 24, 2007
659
Tampa, Florida
Boat Info
Boatless presently.
Engines
Boatless
Interestingly, I have recently noticed my engines are not heating up at the same rate as they used to...is this a matter of concern? I have changed both water pumps, impellers, 1 thermostat...no change in heat up status. Any thoughts?

Additionally, I noticed a slight oil leak coming from the bottom, directly under the main flywheel on my port engine. Should this be checked out or just montitored?

Thanks in advance!
Stuart
 
My guess is that the one thermostat you changed opens at different temperature than the one you removed. If one opens sooner than the other, that engine will heat up quicker. The important thing is to be sure both engines run at the proper operating temperature when they are fully warm.

As far as the oil leak is concerned, I follow a simple approach...oil belongs in the engine, not in the bilge. You need to determine what the cause of the leak is, then you can decide if you would rather pay the piper or manage the leak, the oil level and the mess.

I'll make a guess at the cause of the oil leak........Mercruiser paints the engines after the circulating water pump is installed. That means the timing cover area behind the water pump has no paint on it and it has been unprotected since the boat was new or since someone had the pump off and painted the timing cover. In salt water enviornments, the timing cover eventually rusts through and you get first, a seep, then a little leak, then a gusher.

The timing cover crankshaft seal and gasket, as well as the oil pan gasket and the intake manifold are also possibilities.
 
Frank- Thanks for your reply. Both engines eventually come up to 170 degrees operating temp. So that answers my question. Not to worry. Life is tough as a perfectionist. There used to be pharmaceuticals for my OCD. HA HA!

As for the oil leak, I could start low and work my way up into the engine. The leak is not major it just is a little messy and, ike you, I like to keep my oil IN the engine not in the bilge.
Step 1) put a 1/4 turn on the oild pan bolts to snug the gasket.
Step 2) pay for the crankshft seal and gaket to be replaced.
Step 3) I doubt the timing cover is rusted through due to boat always being in fresh water.

Thanks for your advice!

Someday I hope to upgrade to the 400 series like you have-What a Gorgeous Boat!

Enjoy the weekend!
Stuart
 
Just curious

Do you try to keep your oil level at the top mark on the dip stick or even a little more than that?

Sometimes oil leaks are due to over filling during oil changes. Some boats have engine installations with the engines tipped fore or aft to accomdate V-Drives. This can cause oil drips from oil pooling at the bearing and seal which will alow some oil to leak out.
 
Chad-
I do keep my fluids topped off but really have not changed my pattern in 7 years of owning the boat. I am now just noticing this leak, hence my concern. Thanks for your input.
Stuart
 

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