Water in outdrive reservoir-gctid823460

[Back2Water]

My family and I got out by Stuart island in the San juans. I checked the motor after we got into port just because and noticed that the outdrive fluid reservoirs was about half filled with milky (water). I'm wondering what my options are. I have no way of getting the outdrive out of the water here. I tried to attached a picture but keep getting a failed upload. Any insight is appreciated.

[Nauti_Mike]

If the reservoir has water in it so does your drive. Did you check it before leaving for this trip? I would at a minimum change thevlube before heading home. Once home the drive needs to be pressure tested and probably a seal job.

[Back2Water]

Roger that. It's about an hour and a half trip back to anacortes. Should I be getting a tow to save the drive at this point? Is there any way to see how much water is actually in the drive or change the fluid with the boat in the water? I looked in the engine compartment and didn't notice it before leaving.

[builderdude]

Like Mike said you've likely got the same milky goo in the drive, personally I'd not run it till it's been checked.

[Nauti_Mike]

There is no way of knowing the amount in the drive but if it's showing in the reservior there is a good amount of water in the drive. Cannot be changed with the boat in the water. If it's 1.5 hours of planing speed that is a very long tow back? $$$ even tow insurance may not cover towing that far. You may need to arrange to have it repaired where it's at and transportation home until it's done.

[Castaway]

If it were me, and I was out by Stuart, I'd have it towed to Anacortes, or closer if there's a haul out available. But I have tow insurance. If you have no tow insurance, then running it at this point is a real gamble. If I were to run it, i'd consider going slow all the way back to keep the drive as cool as possible and cross my fingers that it makes it.

[Back2Water]

Thanks guys. We do have tow insurance through boat US so I think well be going with that option. Gonna have to look up what all they cover again.

[Koppers_Kove]

Looks like you have a trailer. Can you get your trailer to Roche Harbor and pull out there?

[Nauti_Mike]

"Back2Water" post=823475 wrote:
Thanks guys. We do have tow insurance through boat US so I think well be going with that option. Gonna have to look up what all they cover again.

Call them and ask if they will tow it the full distance before doing anything.

[Back2Water]

Called boat us and we are just within the 30 mile radius so we're gonna do that. Good idea on the trailer Kevin. It would be a pain but would have been way cheaper than a tow if not covered. Thanks again everyone!

[Back2Water]

Alright, we got back to Anacortes with the tow. It was a lovely 4.5 hour scenic tour :lol:

My new question is, while getting the leg resealed, are there any other items/maintenance that I should be addressing at the same time?

[green650]

When was the last time your bellows were replaced?

How does the cv joint look? Any water in there?

[Nauti_Mike]

"Back2Water" post=824450 wrote:
Alright, we got back to Anacortes with the tow. It was a lovely 4.5 hour scenic tour :lol:

My new question is, while getting the leg resealed, are there any other items/maintenance that I should be addressing at the same time?

Inspect bellows for cracks in the folds, if they need to be replaced also replace the gimbal bearing. With the drive off inspect/grease the universal joints.

[builderdude]

And lower shift cable