trim hydraulic fluid leak, coming where the lines pass through transom

Griff 4

Member
May 27, 2019
32
Boat Info
Bayliner 325
Engines
two 350 cubic inch 250 hp Mercruiser engines Bravo II
  • Hi all. I noticed some trim fluid causing a little puddle in my bilge. The reservoir level is down and the fluid is coming into the bilge an the point where the pressure lines come through the transom. Behind the engine and at the low point in the gimbal housing. This boat has twin 250 hp 350 ci gas engines with Bravo II drives. Has anyone encountered this problem? I suspect a fluid leak at the hydraulic manifold fitting or one of the pressure lines. Advice on this is sure appreciated. We had this boat since new in 2007 and haven't seen this yet! Griff.
 
Just check the fittings at the trim power pack, if your' lucky, the oil is running down the line and collecting at the transom pass thru. Lines do deteriorate though so a leak at the transom would not be out of the question but certainly more of a pain to deal with. Good luck
Carpe Deim
 
Thanks, Carp. But sadly the hydraulic fluid is coming through the transom hole. I have ordered some parts, awaiting their arrival before starting in. The boat is up on a 20K Deco lift and I will have to access the manifold, mercathode stuff, and pressure lines from my kayak! Lots of fun to look forward to!
 
I've had to change those lines and it's doable but NOT easy! Think about having the boat short hauled on land it was difficult but in the water from a kayak ten times more difficult. Good luck!
 
Thanks, bright idea. At least it's good to know that it can be done! I have the Mercruiser manual that covers the job. It seems that the mercathode r&r may be the hardest part of the job. We sure thank you for your input. I have been a member of Club Sea Ray for quite a while. When I recently signed on, I had to re register because the site did not recognize my old password/email address.
 
Did a quick youtube search and found this video that might help you at least see what you'd be doing to check the hydraulic line connections at the manifold. If there is actually a leak there, it doesn't look too bad to access and either tighten to seal it up or even replace the affected line.


Hope it helps!
 
HI all. The job is coming along. At the moment, the hydraulic manifold will not detach from the gimbal housing. Either the gasket glue or corrosion has toughened things in the past 14 years. Of course, I have a new manifold and both hoses. I am open to suggestions on the best way to remove the manifold without damaging the gimbal housing. Thanks,
 
There are a few adhesive solvents on the market that many on the site have used to break down the various sealants. It would help to know what was used but it would be very difficult to know just from looking at it. Just take your time and if you do ding up the gimbal housing you can dress it, prime and repaint and use a good sealant going back on and you should be fine.
CD
 
Hit it with a hammer and drift, don't jam a screwdriver between the 2 parts. Wave a propane torch on it for a bit first.
 
Finally after a week of putty knifes and little hammers, Got that bloody manifold off! The trick was a short 2 1/2 pound sledge, putty knifes, and specially made wedges. The darn manifold was not stuck by the gasket, but debris inside the gimbal housing and the studs with corrosion. The debris was like kitty litter that had solidified with time and hydraulic fluid. Now, just a clean up the mess and install new cables, manifold, and mercathode assembly.
 
Thanks all! Your technical advice has been appreciated. The trim manifold and hydraulic lines have been replaced. Sincerely. Griff
 

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