Outdrive Oil Leak

[WoundedTuna]

I am a decent mechanic when it comes to engines and automobiles, but when it comes to outdrives I really don't know what I am doing. I have a 1974 Seaswirl that has been sitting since springer season. The other day I noticed some oil was leaking from the outdrive. After inspecting it, the leak seems to come from a rubber stop looking piece on the top of the outdrive. After removing this piece, I am not so sure this rubber stop actually holds back oil. So then where is my leak coming from? Here are some pictures to help out.


This picture is the leak before I removed the rubber stop, two side bolts are already removed.

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Outdrive_001.jpg


Here is the rubber piece removed. Just two bolts on the sides that hold it on.

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Outdrive_003.jpg


Here is the top of the outdrive with rubber piece removed.

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Outdrive_004.jpg


The outdrive was in the up position when it was leaking. I have lowered the outdrive in these pictures to find the leak and remove the rubber stop. While in the up position the rubber stop and below it both had oil. There is no evidence of oil above the rubber piece when the outdrive is up.

So, very long story short? Does this rubber piece hold back oil? If not, where else could this leak come from (I realize it is very difficult to tell from a picture).

[Boat Doc']

There is an o-ring on the top cover and another o-ring on the cover below that. Be very careful when removing the bolts that hold the cover on. It's very common for them to become corroded in place and break. Make sure you support the outdrive, it will fall off when the last bolt is removed.

[WoundedTuna]

Boat Doc,

Thanks a million, that seemed to be the problem!