Engine Oil Leak 2003 225 Mercury Optimax
2003 225 Merc Opti SN:OT667234
Hoping someone can shed some light on my problem. Had some oil on the garage floor, assumed it was lower unit gear lube. Brought it in to the shop, and had them check for water and leaks. My mechanic pressure tested, replaced impeller, did the gasket and seal kit, and replaced the lower oil. No water intrusion was found. Took the boat out to a local lake, all good. Boat was in the garage for a few days, no leak. Assuming it was resolved, took the boat out for the 4th of july week, never noticed any oil as we were parked on gravel, or the boat was at the dock. Returned home, parked the boat in the garage, next day, oil on the floor. Back to my mechanic, he said it was a failed gasket. He replaced it under warranty and I was on my way. Boat sat in the garage for a few days, no leaks. Took it out to a local lake, ran good. Parked it in the garage, next day or two, more oil.
On closer inspection, the oil that is leaking looks to be my Engine Oil, not gear lube! To confirm, I pulled a lower plug, and the oil that was replaced was blue/green. My leak is brown orange (Merc Opti Oil). It is leaking from the seam where you bolt on the lower. It looks green in the pic, but it's brown on a paper towel. Image attached. [IMG][/IMG]
Anyways, I pulled the cowling off, and couldn't find any obvious leaks. The onboard engine reservoir is full with no leaks. Hoses are intact. Can anyone offer any ideas? Never had any alarms go off on the smart craft since the leak. Major repairs were done a couple years ago to re-bore a cylinder, and replace a piston, #6 went out. I would appreciate any help:)
I'm thinking crank shaft seal, but was told there wasn't abnormal amounts of oil on the driveshaft. Another mechanic was told by a merc dealer it could be due to the weather and heat melting the grease on the shaft?