oil leak

[grandad121]

changed the oil on my mercruiser 1.7 120 hp diesel engine along with the oil filter and now have a oil leak from somewhere under the engine that i cant pinpoint that wasn,t there before any ideas lads as its driving me mad engine starts and runs fine.

[Davem]

Get some of the blue tissue off a hand dryer roll ( the heavy duty type ) , clean under the engine and lay the tissue flat , any drips will show up.

Did you run a fine smear of oil over your filter seal before fitting , taking care not to under or over tighten oil cartridge .

[KeithB]

If you've changed the oil filter and you didn't have a leak before sounds like that's the first place to look.

[grandad121]

oil leak

smeared the filter seals with oil but my son tightened the filter and hes a big lad so will check that will also try the paper test cheers kieth

[alcaucin]

the oil will find its way and drip from the lowest point, probably from the oil filter, as he is a big lad it is possible to overtighten the filter and squash the rubber seal too much. if so slacken off and tighten correctly. if it still leaks then remove the filter and check the seal.

[codhw]

Like the lads say sounds like the oil filter get a lacky band and a bit tissue paper, secure th tisssue all around the filter with the lacky band think you will find the seal is leaking. Hope it is, as its easy to sort out, Good luck

[Kev1n]

I'd check for leaks around the oil filter as the others have suggested. it may be on too tight, miss-seated or may have the rubber sealing ring left over from the previous filter.

Another cause could be a change in oil type or viscosity allowing it to seep past seals or gaskets.

[alcaucin]

just a thought, I am not familiar with the engine, but not sure if you drain the oil from the sump plug or suck it out. if drained , did you renew copper washer on plug. I know some engines require new one every time. It may not apply but just an idea,

[grandad121]

oil leak

thanks for all the suggestions lads tried a bit of them all and think fingers crossed i have managed to cure it now all i have to find is a cure for the way money keeps leaking out of my pocket into the boat.

[Tadpoleman]

Welcome to the boat owners club

worth it tho !

[grandad121]

oil leaks

owned boats for a long time bert but at this time of year when boat has been out of the water for servicing anti fouling polishing etc also lift in and out fees and then mooring fees it is that time of the year but i love my boat and it brings a smile to my face.

[alcaucin]

thanks for all the suggestions lads tried a bit of them all and think fingers crossed i have managed to cure it now all i have to find is a cure for the way money keeps leaking out of my pocket into the boat.

get the missus to put deeper pockets in your trousers