VP 8.1 oil pan leak

[Carverlvr2]

My 04 366 strbrd engine developed a small leak. Marina says it’s the oil pan but not enough room to change it out with out pulling the engine which they also don’t think they can do. I asked if they can just lift the engine up enough to change the gasket without fully pulling the engine. They said they’d have to build something to do that. Anyone run into this issue yet? Any suggestions? And yes, I’m seriously considering just putting pads down and checking levels at every start up but I’d prefer to deal with it properly if at all practical.

[bud37]

Be extra sure it is actually the pan gasket itself leaking. If so has anyone checked the pan bolts for correct torque ?

It is not dripping from higher on the block....sending unit ?? Just sayin.

[Carverlvr2]

That’s just the word of the marina mechanics…next time I’m out there I may try and snoop around under the engine with my cheap endoscope but my 6-3 frame don’t fit in the engine room very well. What are the most likely or common causes of leaks on these? There’s 760 hours on them and oil changed every season.

[Viper]

A pan leak isn't a very common source of an oil leak but I wouldn't rule it out. It's more likely to be leaking somewhere else though and running down to the pan giving the impression it's leaking through the pan seal. I would check other possibilities first and rule them all out before I considered replacing the pan seal unless there's a visual confirmation while it's leaking. Aside from the obvious sources, an area I've had to deal with several times over the last few years on Mercs and Volvo is the remote filter assembly on the block. For some reason I've had a run of needing to replace the seals on these. Also check at the bottom of the dipstick tube.

Is the engine running good, no noticeable runnability issues? Have you looked to see if there is any blow-by on this engine?

[Carverlvr2]

I’ve only seen the engines run a few times but zero smoke. I’ll definitely check those items first. Thanks!