Volvo saildrive oil consumption

[Mark Maulden]

ok..I'm pretty savy with engines etc. But, lately, I've noticed oil disappearing from my 110-S saildrive. I would think that if seals etc failed, salt water would enter the leg and level would increase and it would be very obvious on the dipstick that saltwater had entered. Oil on my dipstick looks good. It is just disappearing. Where's it going?

 

[Benny17441]

Make sure the unit is using the correct type and grade of oil according to manufacturer specs and that you are checking the level at similar temperatures. Loss of transmission oil usually points to a leak. The absence of water emulsified oil may indicate that the leak is likely in the transmission component and not the leg. A leak can either be external or internal and while an external leak should show in the outside of the transmission casing and internal leak could show under the engine posing as an engine leak. Small oil leaks when coming in contact with hot metal parts tend to burn and may only show a residue. The amount of oil lost and the time frame in which it is lost could help determine the size of the leak. I know nothing about the Volvo 110-S sail drive so take these comments as general information. Good luck.