I have a bravo XZ, 500efi 2001 model, OK last year the drive was leaking oil inside the bilge, now I looked all over and it had to be coming from the Gimbal area?? Since I pulled everything off to work on it I had the drive rebuilt replacing anything that didn't look new seals, gears everything, OK drive back on and within hours it was leaking right back into the bilge.

I am at a total loss, what the he&& is causing this, I want it fixed. If you hav any ideas how the drive is leaking drive oil back into my bilge please let me know.

WILL

Sure it's not something simple as the push on drive reservoir hose connection?

There are 2 seals that can cause this on the drive. Behind the upper retainer nut there is a seal that goes around the input yoke, also there is an 'O' Ring that goes around the retainer nut itself. My guess would be the input seal. There has been a problem with that seal failing. Merc has a new design retainer nut and seal. It is an easy fix, providing you have the correct tools and ability to reset the rolling torque on the upper bearings. If you dont , the bearings will most likely fail prematurely.

ditto on what check mate said,
also pressure test the resivoir bottle and you will beable to check the quick connect at the engine side of the transom, to do this you will need two things... 1) an extra resivoir cap
2) stevens pressure tester
drill vent hole out so pressure tester will thread in the go at it I only put about 5 psi in but will show if leaking, but unlike press testing a drive leave the lube in the system.

good luck, let me know how you make out

Thanks for the advise, yes I have followed the oil re. bottle with my hand all the way to the reak where it goes into the drive, no leaks.

So I do believe that it is "seal that goes around the input yoke, also there is an 'O' Ring that goes around the retainer nut itself" I will follow up on this, this sounds like it is the culprit.

Thanks

WILL

Could be a knick or gouge on the
input yoke where the seal rides.

If not fixed, that would wipe out a new seal
in short order.


Was there gear oil in the u-joint bellow
when you removed the drive ?, if so, it's
got to be the o ring around the nut, or the pinion seal.

JayTee

I will check that also, thanks

WILL