small oil drip

[83ski2001]

so i took my boat out first time this season and when i got home i noticed a real small drip in the bilge between motor and tranny. i am sure its the rear main. but do ya think its maybe from being layed up all winter and the seal will expand or does the rear main not work like that? if not will this go really fast or will it leak slowly for a while? bascially if it stays slow could i get thru the summer because i wanted to do rebuild on motor and tranny both next winter...or should i just yank it now and have it done? it is really really small but just wanna know what you guys think,

its an 83 ski 2001 with 351w and 1:1 velvet drive.

[AirTool]

I'm thinking that year had a rope main seal and there is a chance it may swell up with some use. I'm not 100% sure on old Fords.

I'll add you to our prayer list.

[83ski2001]

thanks airtool...no need to prayer...if it doesnt swell up ill pull it and have it fixed. i dont like to take to many chances with my old girl...she treats me way to well.

do you think it could be an original?

[AirTool]

thanks airtool...no need to prayer...if it doesnt swell up ill pull it and have it fixed. i dont like to take to many chances with my old girl...she treats me way to well.

do you think it could be an original?

Probably. I'm just not sure it is rope in that year.

If not rope, lets hope it didn't cut into your crank. A repair sleeve is usually available for the front seal....not sure about the rear seal.

[83ski2001]

thanks for the advice airtool...ill take her out a few more times and keep my eye on it and see what happens. if it gets bad ill pull it. my luck itll be in the middle of the summer lol...lets hope not.

thanks again

[Sticke]

so i took my boat out first time this season and when i got home i noticed a real small drip in the bilge between motor and tranny. i am sure its the rear main. but do ya think its maybe from being layed up all winter and the seal will expand or does the rear main not work like that? if not will this go really fast or will it leak slowly for a while? bascially if it stays slow could i get thru the summer because i wanted to do rebuild on motor and tranny both next winter...or should i just yank it now and have it done? it is really really small but just wanna know what you guys think,

its an 83 ski 2001 with 351w and 1:1 velvet drive.

Have you felt some sort of indescribably about the thing that you have described in here... If so then tell me that how do you think it would get going later on? Looking forward.

[DanielC]

Check a few things first. Oil level is not too high?
Check the PCV system on the boat. Operating correctly, PCV puts the crankcase at a slight vacuum, and this helps a lot with keeping oil drips away.

[IMPACT-EV1]

Check a few things first. Oil level is not too high?
Check the PCV system on the boat. Operating correctly, PCV puts the crankcase at a slight vacuum, and this helps a lot with keeping oil drips away.

good points.

but regardless keep an eye on the oil level and enjoy the boat for the summer then fix it, the odds of it getting to the point it needs repaired before winter layup are slim and none.