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Fluid loss after work being done

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Old 04-04-2023 | 01:21 PM
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Default Fluid loss after work being done

2016 Bravo One. I had my marina replace the U-joint and gimbal bearing assembly over the winter. I got the boat back in Feb and noticed the gear lube bottle was empty. After filling I'm now steadily losing fluid in the lube monitor bottle. A couple of oz.every hour while running. Fluid at vent screw looked normal and full.

Where could it be going? No sign of fluid in bilge, on engine, prop or outdrive. Inside the u-joint bellows?

I appreciate any feedback.

Last edited by NightHawk; 04-04-2023 at 01:29 PM.
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Old 04-04-2023 | 01:35 PM
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I would guess inside the bellow...if you have a shaft seal in front of the gimbal bearing and its working properly it will hold the fluid in the bellow and not let it get to the bilge.....Easy to see if you pull the drive probably the upper shaft seal but since they were just there I would say a trip back to them to investigate. If you want to do it yourself...pull the drive and if the bellow is dry then you will have to drain the outdrive and pressure/vacuum test it and see where the leak is. I have seen propshaft seals leak when under way but not leak when sitting. Pressure test will find that if that's the issue. Good luck!
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Old 04-04-2023 | 03:14 PM
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Most likely leaking from the upper seal into the bellows based on what you posted.
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Old 04-04-2023 | 03:38 PM
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Thanks to you both. I used to be able to pull a bravo myself and put it back on but those days are gone.

The mechanic from the marina is making a house call tomorrow afternoon so I'm guessing that's what he'll do.
They must have screwed something up installing the new u-joints.
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Old 04-17-2023 | 03:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Griff
Most likely leaking from the upper seal into the bellows based on what you posted.
You called it. Marina claimed it was a defective seal from Merc. It was either really that or it was installed incorrectly. Free do-over.
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Old 04-17-2023 | 07:08 AM
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Congrats
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