Minor oil leak Universal M25 - help?

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John Visser

I have a weeping of oil at the "301489 Start Spring Pin" on the upper right (starboard side, upper left when facing the engine's pulley side) of the gear case. Does anyone know what this is, and how to stop the leak? Thanks, jv
 
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Steve Ray

Universal problems (engines)

I had a problem with my universal 5411 (11h.p.) that sounds simiular. What it turned out to be was a crack in the front casing that started from the water pump attachment bolt and ran up torward the top (start spring pin) housing. It would only start seeping oil after the engine heated up. It was difficult to spot the crack due to paint covering it. Ordering another front case was $400.00. I pulled the crankshaft pully, removed the front case and had it welded at a machine shop. Re-installed and has been fine since. Don't know if this helps but take a close look.
 
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Jack Swords

JB Weld

Had similar problem as Steve on 5411 engine. Used JB Weld 10 years ago, still holding...no leaks.
 
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John Visser

Good point!

I never thought it might be a crack! I have fresh paint on it, too. I'll take a close look, and JB-Weld it if its cracked. Thanks, jv
 
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D Zurfluh

epoxy

I was cleaning engine and changing oil a few weeks ago and while brushing the oil pan, knocked of a chunk of metal that leaked about a toothpick size stream out of oilpan. I used some of the black epoxy stick that you knead in your fingers. 100 hrs on motor sense. no problems
 
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J.B. Dyer

Vibration??

John, this may be off base a little but it is something to look for. On some of the earlier M25's there was a very flimsy alternator mount that allowed it to flop around a great deal. As this mount was partially secured to the timing chain cover it resulted in cracks, some worse than others. There is an upgrade mount that Universal came up with that better secured the alternator and eliminated the vibration. This may or may not be the cause of your problem but it would be worth looking at to prevent future cracks.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,008
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
M25 Alternator Bracket

JB I'm pretty sure John upgraded his bracket. FYI and others, the link explains the process and why it's important to do it. Stu
 
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John Visser

not the bracket

Good idea, but its not the bracket. Its on the other side of the engine, and I did the bracket upgrade a while ago. jv
 
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