Lost Drive Control on Port Side

[GotLuckyPA]

Returning from an outing in a no wake zone at idle i lost control of the port drive. Motor ran fine, just no drive. Opened engine bay and found trans fluid all over the bilge. Boat dealer put a quart of trans fluid in the drive, tested and it worked fine. Have not been able to test and watch for leaks. Dealer is thinking it's the lower shaft seal.

Has anyone dealt with this? Can the seal be replaced while the boat is in the water? Is it a v-drive re-build situation?

Thanks in advance for any help...

[bud37]

Is there half a chance it was just the dipstick loose ?

[Viper]

Welcome to the forum.

The question is how long did she run dry, hard to tell but it doesn't take long to toast it running at cruising speed with no oil. Too late now but it would have been good to get a sample of oil before they refilled it.

Accessibility is key here. If the area is easy to get to, chances are it can be done in the water. My experience with a lot of v-drive applications though is that it's way easier to work on by pulling out the engine with the tranny. That can be done in the water too but how easy it is to do in your particular marina will determine whether it makes more sense to haul the boat out first. If the unit needs to be removed, you may as well dismantle it and assess whether there is any damage that might come back to haunt you.

[GotLuckyPA]

Source of the post Is there half a chance it was just the dipstick loose ?

I don't think so.

[GotLuckyPA]

Source of the post Welcome to the forum.

The question is how long did she run dry, hard to tell but it doesn't take long to toast it running at cruising speed with no oil. Too late now but it would have been good to get a sample of oil before they refilled it.

Accessibility is key here. If the area is easy to get to, chances are it can be done in the water. My experience with a lot of v-drive applications though is that it's way easier to work on by pulling out the engine with the tranny. That can be done in the water too but how easy it is to do in your particular marina will determine whether it makes more sense to haul the boat out first. If the unit needs to be removed, you may as well dismantle it and assess whether there is any damage that might come back to haunt you.

Understood. I'll keep digging and let you know.

[GotLuckyPA]

Well a mechanic added trani fluid and it shifted just fine. Looks like it's leaky seal or gasket. Trying some sealer to see if it helps.