Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > General Q & A
Outdrive Fluid Leak/Expansion >

Outdrive Fluid Leak/Expansion

Notices

Outdrive Fluid Leak/Expansion

Thread Tools
 
Old 04-11-2022 | 07:02 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 97
Likes: 4
Default Outdrive Fluid Leak/Expansion

I have a 725hp NA setup with an IMCO transom assembly and an IMCO SC drive(not the SCX). Everything was new as of last July(had 17.3 hours on it when I put it up for the winter). It also has the stock Mercruiser Drive Oil reservoir. When I would take it above 3.5k it would start to leak outdrive fluid out the fitting where the fluid passes through the transom, below 3k not a drop. I drilled out the hole in the top of the reservoir cap and fluid blew out the top. I put a few more flats turn on the fitting at the back and that helped some but it would still leak. I called IMCO and he said to run the drive oil reservoir much closer to empty then to the fill line to allow for the fluid to expand more as everything will run hotter now and the pressure will go to the path of least resistance. Does this make sense to the everyone ? I have no idea how much outdrive fluid expands. Any thoughts will be greatly appriciated.
farmo83 is offline  
Reply
Old 04-11-2022 | 07:31 PM
  #2  
Registered
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 765
Likes: 291
From: USA, PA
Default

I know nothing about those drives, however if the info from them is correct (and it sounds it). I would swap to a larger drive lube monitor container. That way it can contain more fluid, and still allow for 'more expansion' room as well.
SabrToothSqrl is offline  
Reply
Old 04-17-2022 | 11:28 AM
  #3  
253
Gold Member
20 Year Member
Gold Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 702
Likes: 26
From: Southern, IL.
Default

Do you have the drive oil plastic fitting through the transom ,,if so these can crack and leak
253 is offline  
Reply
Old 04-17-2022 | 10:40 PM
  #4  
Griff's Avatar
Charter Member # 55
25 Year Member
Charter Member
Super Moderators
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 20,232
Likes: 2,482
From: Omaha/LOTO
Default

When the drive lube gets hot, it does expand. On my stock Bravo's mine will move up about 1/2" in the reservoir bottle during normal usage. The reservoir cap on the stock merc reservoir bottle works as a one way valve. I would try what Imco said and run the lube at the "fill" line on the reservoir bottle. If that does not work, I'd look into a larger reservoir bottle.
Griff is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.