Calling All C-27 Owners w/inboards

[Rob Rich]

Okay guys, here is the situation. I have a bit of oil leakage that is coming from the prop shaft. I assume it is from the normal drip coming out of the stuffing box, mixing with some bearing grease that my surveyor and I recently applied when we adjusted the tension on the box to correct for excessive leak. The leak is back to its normal rate, which is good, but oil now accompanies this leak. It is brownish in color, and is making a mess of the bilge. I checked the engine oil - its not that. The level is constant, and the oil is of good color and clarity.Is there any oil normally in the stuffing box? Is it possible that the Cutlass bearing is leaking and depositing grease in the sleave? Engine operation is completely normal with no unusual noises or vibration. Maybe I am just being paranoid. Thanks for your help!Rob

 

[Sean]

hey neighbor

Rob,Mine does the same thing. To me it looks like a seal might be worn out. I am not overly worried about it, I actually just keep a rag under the shaft to keep the oil from mixing with water in the bilge. I am sure this is probably not the right thing to do....but after 2 years she has continued to work fine and it doesn't appear to be getting worse. I am curious about other responses.Sean