Small oil leak

JeffH

Alpha 1 Gen 2 - I changed the water pump for the first time this fall. At a recent check I found a small gear oil leak that appears to be coming from the front of the leg and dripping down the skeg. My question is have I just not tightened the front bolt enough, do I need to give it a little live tap or is it possible I’ve pinched something between the upper and lower. TIA

aero3113

Does it look like a leak or residual oil that dripped down?

PickleRick

There is a little flat rubber washer in foot, goes between the foot and upper skeg.  This is sadly a common lost item and it causes the oil from the upper to drain out and allows water into the bottom half.  They dont last long running like this.

I use a little black rtv to hold it in place during install.  I let it cure a few hours before i do the install.  It falls out easily.  

It's important to make sure you have put that in there.

You can pressurized the foot to find leaks.  A cheap bike pump with gauge works fine.  Push the tip into the oil drain and apply pressue to @ 5 to 10 psi, it should hold. If it leaks down you should find a trail of oil.  

No need for an expensive leak down tester.  

JeffH

Thanks, sounds like I need to take it back apart