390Express
Regular Contributor
Pretty sure I have a bad propshaft seal on a B3.
Season started great, and didn't lose any fluid level on the reservoir for the first 8+ trips and over 10 hours of boating. Last trip out I noticed that level was down about 1/4", and figured I'd check into it more. After sitting for a week, it's down even lower, below the "fill" line. (dropped around 1/2" in the past 7 days, likely around a 1/2 pint of fluid) I cannot notice anything out of the ordinary, even with the drive all the way up. I do see a small oil sheen that appears to be coming out of the prop area. Ordered a new outer propshaft/bearing carrier oil seal, and the three "bravo 3 tools" to replace it.
Is it safe to drive it the approx 1 mile to the launch at idle speed, or should I request a tow? Boat ran fine last time out, shifted fine at the dock, etc. Doesn't seem like the drive is hurt, but don't want a 5 minute boat drive to cost me a $4k (used) outdrive.
And, is towing it safe, given that the drive will still be spinning? I suppose I could try to pull the props off with it in the water, and tow it without any props if I really need to. Any other suspects for a lower unit lube leak that comes on out of the blue?
Any advice is appreciated.
Season started great, and didn't lose any fluid level on the reservoir for the first 8+ trips and over 10 hours of boating. Last trip out I noticed that level was down about 1/4", and figured I'd check into it more. After sitting for a week, it's down even lower, below the "fill" line. (dropped around 1/2" in the past 7 days, likely around a 1/2 pint of fluid) I cannot notice anything out of the ordinary, even with the drive all the way up. I do see a small oil sheen that appears to be coming out of the prop area. Ordered a new outer propshaft/bearing carrier oil seal, and the three "bravo 3 tools" to replace it.
Is it safe to drive it the approx 1 mile to the launch at idle speed, or should I request a tow? Boat ran fine last time out, shifted fine at the dock, etc. Doesn't seem like the drive is hurt, but don't want a 5 minute boat drive to cost me a $4k (used) outdrive.
And, is towing it safe, given that the drive will still be spinning? I suppose I could try to pull the props off with it in the water, and tow it without any props if I really need to. Any other suspects for a lower unit lube leak that comes on out of the blue?
Any advice is appreciated.