Oil leak?

David Arnold · August 11, 2005, 05:26:29 PM

I have a brand new 2005 C-34 with only about 25 hours on the engine. I check the oil level religiously before each time I use the boat and it is always full. I recently sailed to Martha's Vineyard from Rhode Island and due to no wind needed to use the motor for most of the 9 hour trip. The engine ran fine with all indicators in normal range and never exceeding 2500 rpm's. When we arrived at our destination I happened to check the bilge only to find a fair amount of oil in the bilge water. When I checked the dipstick oil level it was still full but I noticed what I consider a fair amount of drip oil under the engine. Not one place but all over the fiberglass under the engine which I assume dripped into the bilge and mixed with the normal drip water coming from the stuffing box. Is this drip of oil normal or might this be an indication of problems to come?

Ron Hill · August 11, 2005, 06:22:00 PM

David : That drip is NOT normal.
The first thing I'd do is call your dealer, as your boat/engine should still be under warren tee. I'd tell them about the leak and state they've got a problem.

David Arnold · August 11, 2005, 07:17:30 PM

Thanks Ron. I didn't think the leak was normal either and put in a call to the dealer late this afternoon but have not heard back from him as yet. I am most interested in seeing what he has to say.

Ron Hill · August 12, 2005, 03:07:20 PM

David : I should have told you to cut a "fuel diaper" to fit under the engine. That way you'll catch the oil before it goes into the bilge, and the stains on the absorbent "diaper" will be conclusive evidence that it's happening.

David Arnold · August 15, 2005, 08:31:06 AM

Thanks Ron,
The dealer did take care of the leak the next day (Eastern Yacht Sales) so was very responsive. Indeed he put the "diaper" down under the engine and it remained clean through the weekend.

Thanks again for your sound advise!

Ron Hill · August 15, 2005, 03:24:59 PM

David : If you cut an inexpensive absorbent fuel diaper and put under the engine and on the bed on either side you'll pick up leaks in a second. Just look at the color of the leak and you can fairly well identify what's leaking from where. Black - engine oil; red - transmission or fuel; green or orange - coolant.
A thought.

David Arnold · August 15, 2005, 07:05:43 PM

An excellent idea. I can always count on your replys to any posts for most useful info and ideas. THANKS!!!

Ray & Sandy Erps · August 16, 2005, 01:01:35 PM

So where was the oil leak?

Stu Jackson · August 17, 2005, 04:21:03 AM

Also, had you assured that the oil dipstick had been fully reinserted?

Ron Hill · August 19, 2005, 06:58:18 PM

Guys : As I wrote in the Mainsheet, if the oil dipstick is not is not completely inserted, there will be Dirty Filthy engine OIL all over the place !!!!!!! Not just a drip!!

What a mess - been there done that!!!!!!!! It's such a mess that it's an item well worth checking TWICE - just to make sure that dipstick is fully seated !!.