Leaking Transmission

[Briank117]

Hey gang,

I’m currently taking care of my neighbor’s ‘76 F32, who’s in a nursing home. I start it once a week and allow it to run for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye for on fluid levels, blidge etc.

Noticed a trans leak today.

I have an outboard on my CC, so I’m completely out of my element here.

Can anyone point me into a direction towards repair? Seal? O-ring? Only leaks while running, no leaking with motor off.

Thanks

Brian

[prowlersfish]

Looks like it maybe the output shaft seal . I would have to see or feel underneath . The flange bolts should replaced . Not a place for SS should be grade 8 or better fine thread . I am assuming they are SS sa they are shinny , could be a recent replacement . If so was someone working on the trans ?

[Briank117]

Both motors (318s) were backyard rebuilds 3 years ago. I’m not sure either trans was touched, but my gut says no. I can stick my phone underneath tomorrow and see if I can get a better angle of potential leak location.

Boat has sat neglected (outside of what I do) for the past season.

Is what I’m looking at a Velvet drive tranny? Again, all new to me.

Appreciate the response.

[prowlersfish]

Yes it is a Velvet Drive 71 or 72 ( same parts )

[Briank117]

Apologies for my camera work.

[prowlersfish]

Sure looks like the out put shaft seal. Is there clearance between the bolts and the case ? sure looks close ,but photos will fool you

[Briank117]

Prowlersfish, once again I appreciate your response.

From the videos I took reaching down underneath to try and see what was going on, bolt ends look to be against the case. I can double check by hand tomorrow. Should there be clearance between the two, or be snug against one another?

[prowlersfish]

They should not be hitting the case . Look for any wear/damage from this .

[Briank117]

Just walked down and checked the bolts—they’re not touching the case but damn close. Can definitely see the difference between the replaced bolts on port side, and the OEM bolts on stardboard. Spun both shafts by hand while I was down there. Both started to drip at the packing; at about 1 drop per 5 “Mississippi’s”. First time they’ve been spun since March.

[mikeandanne]

Sometimes if the shaft alignment is out it is possible to make the seal leak. Not saying this is the case, but someone has been doing something there judging by the new bolts. A quick check might rule that out.

[Briank117]

I appreciate the alignment suggestion. Definitely will keep in mind.

I guess at this point, if the boat were to stay in the water over winter; do you foresee any issue with the light drip from shafts? Obviously the motors will be winterized, and I’ll keep an eye on the bilge.

Intuition tells me I’ll end up being offered to purchase the boat if health doesn’t improve, so I’m trying to learn as much as possible.

[mrjake56]

Was penetrating oil used on the bolts? I recall reading that penetrating oil must not come in contact with the output seal on the transmissions. It destroys the seal. What I read suggested applying it with a small brush or Q-tip instead of spraying.

[Briank117]

Well, it happened sooner than expected; but probably for the best.

I ended up purchasing the f32 yesterday.

Have a ton of work ahead of me, but looking forward to the journey.

[WayWeGo]

Congratulations!!!

[prowlersfish]

Congrats and welcome