Oil leak question for engine builders
#12
The loss of oil is while the boat is running over the weekend time. Not while sitting for the weekend.
#13
I just replaced both of my front seals because they leaked although not quite as bad as OP is claiming. I wish I knew to leave the timing covers loose for better centering. I have GEN V blocks and I bought Milodon aluminum timing chain covers. I had trouble holding the engine while I torque the harmonic balancer bolt. What do you guys do to keep the engine from rolling over while you torque the bolt? I have to redo the bolt install because I found out that its a good idea to apply a little RTV to the washer and the bolt to help ensure they don't leak.
100% on rtv under the washer, oil will migrate out through the keyway.
Typically we are doing this not in the boat, but when weve had to a strap wrench around the balancer works amongst other things.
#14
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Joined: Jan 2022
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From: West Michigan
Its actually in the instructions that come with the Mildon pans about keeping it loose.
100% on rtv under the washer, oil will migrate out through the keyway.
Typically we are doing this not in the boat, but when weve had to a strap wrench around the balancer works amongst other things.
100% on rtv under the washer, oil will migrate out through the keyway.
Typically we are doing this not in the boat, but when weve had to a strap wrench around the balancer works amongst other things.
#15
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Portland, OR
#16
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From: West Michigan

If he is close to you drop by.
I don't think any engine builder would pay for someone else to do the repair however they might reimburse you for the seals. The problem with "warranty" stuff for boat engines is, and I'm assuming here, that you didn't bring your boat to him so he could pull the engines, rebuild them, and reinstall them? So if you did want a "warranty repair" its reasonable for him to ask you to remove the engines again and drop them off.
#17
Those are all good points. There are a few problems. Last year when he had the engines for the re-builds. I dropped them off Thanksgiving weekend and he said he would have them back in middle to late February. Many things came up on his end and I finally was able to pick them up the first week of May. So there was no way I was taking them back to him. The second problem is, he is more than 700 miles from me, and 2 trips would have cost more than the repairs did. It's funny how he took many calls from me and tried to help. But as soon as I sent him pictures of the seals I haven't heard from him since.
I guess he could be on vacation, but I've texted him with the reason I was texting. A simple I'm on vacation and will get call when I get back would be nice.
Eventually I will probably warn others, but right now I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. Hoping maybe he will step up, at least call me back and tell me he's not going to take care of it.
I guess he could be on vacation, but I've texted him with the reason I was texting. A simple I'm on vacation and will get call when I get back would be nice.
Eventually I will probably warn others, but right now I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. Hoping maybe he will step up, at least call me back and tell me he's not going to take care of it.
#18
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Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,224
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From: BC
I think (hope) my problem was the old balancers had corrosion on them where the seals ride. I "assume" my engine guy followed the instructions during assembly as far as leaving the cover loose while installing the balancer. I will pick up a strap wrench and give that a try. Thanks for your help.
#19
We used the seal savers for the repair along with new seals.
#20
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Joined: Oct 2007
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I think (hope) my problem was the old balancers had corrosion on them where the seals ride. I "assume" my engine guy followed the instructions during assembly as far as leaving the cover loose while installing the balancer. I will pick up a strap wrench and give that a try. Thanks for your help.




