www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all,
This year rather than trailer all the way back to Florida we left the boat in Maine. When I drained the outboard oil it was the classic milkshake. The boat had been in the water for 4 weeks. I had removed it from the water less than 2 hours earlier when I drained the outdrive. I already refilled with new oil and it will sit until July when we return.
Any suggestions for what to look for the cause when I get back to Maine? Last year I replaced the bellows and checked the gimble bearing. I heard of a prop shaft seal that could be a cause and the O-rings on the fill and level check plugs. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks Rob

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Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing
2001 Horizon 180

Hi Rob,
Yes, the Prop Shaft seal is the most likely culprit, but could also be the fill and drain plug seals.
Any fishing line caught up around the shaft can destroy the seal.

You described it as "foamy" and "classic milkshake". That sound like it needs repair now.

If it was only a "slight milky color" but still looks and feels like gear oil, then you could probably wait and see if it gets worse. IMHO

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Thanks,
I'm thinking I will build a pressure tester and prior to putting it in the water drain the oil and see if the tester locates the leak. It looks like removing the shaft seal is not an easy job. From what I have read it looks like I have to fabricate a special tool to slip over the prop shaft and unscrew the housing. Then the seal can be driven out and a new seal and o-ring installed.
Has anyone replace the prop seal on a VP SX out drive???
Thanks Rob

_________________
Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing
2001 Horizon 180