Transmission Fluid ALL in the Bilge

[John Mavrovich]

I discovered transmission fluid in the bilge a week ago. I removed the drain plug (wasn't loose) and verified that it was bone dry. I filled it to the prescribed level and ran it for a couple of hours (at idle in gear - fwd/rev) and went sailing this weekend - ran it at max rpm for an hour or so. Didn't leak a drop! I'm completely puzzled. Add'l information: Boat was in the water all winter as usual. During the winter months I run the engine at idle and in gear every 2-3 weeks. I keep a 60 watt light bulb below the M25XP diesel engine that clicks on when the ambient temperature gets close to freezing. Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ray Bowles]

John, Were there and drops of oil on the trans

tailshaft when you found the problem? (or elsewere) Also, what weight oil did you use, such as 80-90, 10-30 etc. The answers to these questions could hold the answer to the problem. Also how cold was it when you ran the engine during the winter and was it warmed up fully before you ingaged the f/w gears.One though was that the oil was cold enough that putting it in gear could have foamed the oil and driven it past the tailshaft seal. Look forward to your reply and ultamatly the answer.RayS/V Speedy

 

[John Mavrovich]

Weight of Fluid Unknown

Ray, this is your typical Dexron II transmission fluid (very thin stuff). I believe this drained out and dripped off long before I discovered the problem so the outer transmission casing was dry. Also, there was no evidence of oil being "spun" out of the rear seal when running. The ambient temp was in the 40's during the winter. I can't say that I warmed the engine that much before engaging the tranny - difficult to get it warm in the cold weather/cold water. I plan to call Westerbeke (Universal) to see if they have any thoughts. Thanks for your interest. I'll welcome any add'l comments/thoughts.