Calling All Catalina Owners w/inboards

[Rob Rich]

Cross-Listed on Mid-Size Forum.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 light brown 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 sleeve? Engine operation is completely normal with no unusual noises or vibration. Maybe I am just being paranoid. Thanks for your help!Rob

 

[Jeff Walker]

Doesn't sound good

Hi Rob,There shouldn't be any oil in the stuffing box. The only place I can think of is the transmission seal so you may want to check the fluid level in there and be sure the fluid isn't leaking down the prop shaft. I'm speaking for the Universal engines with the Hurth transmission so your situation may be different if you have the Atomic 4 or Yanmar.Good luck, Jeff

 

[Richard]

oil?

There is no oil in the stuffing box (only wax or teflon coated flax). The cutlass bearing is in the strut outside the boat and has no oil either. I can't understand why your surveyor used grease? I assume it was to lube the lock nut on the box? An artificial lube would be better, but to be honest nothing is needed.Oil (if it is oil and not grease) could only come from the transmission down the shaft to the stuffing box, but this is very unlikely. It would somehow have to get past the shaft coupling and I can't see how.Likely it is the stuffing box heating up and melting the grease. Check the stuffing box for excessive heat while motoring. It should not get too hot.