Slow leak in outdrives

[njsr2002]

I have Alpha I Gen II outdrives. They're 12 yrs old. I noticed the last two seasons I needed to top off the gear oil a little more frequently then before (like every other week I need to add 1/4 inch to the gear lube bottle). I don't get water in the lube.. I just lose it slowly. This yr I pressure tested the drives- Pumped to 15 lbs.. the air slowly leaked out in about an hr.

Is it time to replace the seals ?? Or d I just keep adding oil all season ?? Any idea on how much a re-seal job will run ?

 

[dcpringle]

If you could figure out which seal is leaking would be the best bet. Try putting air back into it and spray it with a mix of water and soap and look for the bubbles..? Like you would for a tire maybe...

 

[dogturd21]

if you can narrow down if its an upper gearcase or a lower gearcase that is leaking, you can just reseal that part. It sort of depends on how handy you are- I did them both on my Alpha previously: I dont recall the exact cost but a full seal kit is about $50-90 for the lower, somewhat less for the upper. If it were me, this late into spring- i would keep feeding it oil until the fall then schedule to have the drive resealed when it slacks off in the winter.

 

[Bt Doctur]

I can do the service, left a message .More damage is done from neglect than actual operation the boat. Bellows, engine alignment, and host of others need checking.