I have an Alpha Gen II drive that is slowly leaking gear lube from the water pickup in the lower unit.... I didn't even notice the leak until the boat sat in the driveway for a week after i last used it...

I drained the gear lube to check for water in it and found none...

I have no experience with working on outdrives other than changing the gear lube...

What is the most likely cause of the leak?







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I would say it's more than likely one of the two oil seals in the upper that seal the vertical driveshaft. However, I don't see it leaking past the water pump upper piece and gaskets.

It's really hard to tell without pulling the drive apart and confirming. If you don't have the tools you'll probably have to take it to a shop. They need to pressure test it first to make sure it does have a leak. When I have a leaky seal I go ahead and replace them all just to be safe. Oil coming out means water can get in. Water and $$ gears and bearings do not mix.