Mercruiser bravo 2 oil leak

[Cavalierbond]

Hi .. mercruiser bravo 2 leg .. had both refurbed three years ago ( £2500.00 a leg ) … in season 1 had a slight oil leak so sent it back at the end of the season … under warranty etc .. season 2 same issue but would empty the bottle at different times , sent back under warranty but had to pay £500 for some items that had burned out / worn to lack of oil and me using it .. but never used when the alarm would go off for low oil
Now season 3 … first long trip and same issue ..
moaning about the company is a separate issue ..
has any body had this where a seal change hasn’t worked and it’s more serious like “ bent casing “ etc ..

 

[spannerman]

They should have pressure and vacuum tested the drive after replacing seals. The other place they leak is the flexi hose from the shield to the drive which goes to the oil reservoir, these harden and crack with age, I always inspect them when doing any drive work. To be honest we have very few problems with oil seals leaking on Bravo drives, mainly the input shaft seal if water gets in the bellows, the propshaft seals are bullet proof unlike Volvo where seals are almost a service item.

 

[Ribtecer]

I have a leak meaning the oil in the gear oil reservoir on my Alpha One slowly (very slowly) seeps away.

Any ideas? I was planning a complete strip down of the leg.

 

[Cavalierbond]

They should have pressure and vacuum tested the drive after replacing seals. The other place they leak is the flexi hose from the shield to the drive which goes to the oil reservoir, these harden and crack with age, I always inspect them when doing any drive work. To be honest we have very few problems with oil seals leaking on Bravo drives, mainly the input shaft seal if water gets in the bellows, the propshaft seals are bullet proof unlike Volvo where seals are almost a service item.

Thanks … the questions now are .. is the summer over .. will he honour a warranty .. is the leg salvageable or will he write it off in the sence that he’s had there bites of the cherry …

 

[spannerman]

I have a leak meaning the oil in the gear oil reservoir on my Alpha One slowly (very slowly) seeps away.

Any ideas? I was planning a complete strip down of the leg.

If you are losing oil, first check the flexi hose, if thats ok then its best to take the drive off and do a pressure test to check inputshaft and prop shaft. If these are ok then its most likely the seal under the water pump, these often fail, the best way to check is split the drive and put a piece of rubber over the small oil hole to the rear right of the vertical drive shaft and hold it in place with a mini g clamp so it holds the pressure when you test the lower section, you will see a plastic housing with two seals under the water pump base plate, its here we have the most leaks, you can buy the complete housing with seals installed.

 

[Ribtecer]

If you are losing oil, first check the flexi hose, if thats ok then its best to take the drive off and do a pressure test to check inputshaft and prop shaft. If these are ok then its most likely the seal under the water pump, these often fail, the best way to check is split the drive and put a piece of rubber over the small oil hole to the rear right of the vertical drive shaft and hold it in place with a mini g clamp so it holds the pressure when you test the lower section, you will see a plastic housing with two seals under the water pump base plate, its here we have the most leaks, you can buy the complete housing with seals installed.

Thank you spannerman.

The oil seems to be coming out of the two holes either side of the leg just above the cavitation plate.

Any ideas why this will be please?

Many thanks.

 

[Ribtecer]

Not my actual leg, but this is the location of the holes, just underneath that foward bolt, one on each side.

Many thanks again.

 

[spannerman]

That would appear to be leaking from the seals under the water pump base plate, you have to split the drive to investigate further.

 

[Ribtecer]

That would appear to be leaking from the seals under the water pump base plate, you have to split the drive to investigate further.

Thank you spannerman.

I'd like to replace everything in there that is a serviceable item.

Any idea of what parts I need to order before cracking it open?

We're very lucky to have such advice on here, happy to log the progress if it helps/interests others on here.

Thanks again spannerman

 

[Rareplank]

Could also be leaking down from the drive shaft seal in upper housing. This can run down to this area along with shift seal leaking

 

[Ribtecer]

What is the purpose of those two holes?

Many thanks to all who are trying to help.

 

[Ribtecer]

I took it apart tonight. Interested in what the experts think.

 

[Ribtecer]

 

[Ribtecer]

 

[Ribtecer]

 

[Ribtecer]

 

[Ribtecer]

Sorry pictures seem to be in reverse order. My mistake.

Spannerman are you saying this is the seal under the water pump base plate that is probably leaking?

 

[Rareplank]

I would say it’s the seal for the driveshaft in upper housing leaking

 

[Ribtecer]

I would say it’s the seal for the driveshaft in upper housing leaking

Interesting, thank you.

I'm thinking buy this kit and replace everything;

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31700009...MIx671v6bCjgMVvJRQBh1hSijgEAQYAyABEgLrDfD_BwE

 

[Grubble]

What outdrive do you have? That kit says Alpha One Gen II, your post says Bravo 2. The kit is the normal kit for doing the Alpha One Gen II impeller.