Water in Bravo 3 Oil - Pressure Testing Help

[SeaRay]

Last fall when I drained my drive oil to winterized my boat I noticed that the oil was a bit milky (Bravo 3 drive).
I realize this is a sign of water in the oil. The oil level was fine and I was not loosing any oil.
I understand that I may have seals or O-rings leaking and I need to perform a pressure test.
I am looking for help on the proper procedure.
From what I can gather, I need to build a pressure testing apparatus with a gauge and test at 15 psi for at least an hour.

Questions:
Do I need to drain the oil before testing?
Any advice on buying or building a pressure tester?
Do I need to remove the drive?
Do I need to plug any lines going to the reservoir?
Do I need to do a vacuum test as well?

Thanks in advance

 

[scoflaw]

Don't confuse aerated with milky, they can look similar.

 

[Nater Potater]

No need to drain the oil. The most likely, but by no means the only, place for the water to get in is under the water pump. Normally, the procedure is to pull the lower unit, make a flat plate (steel or aluminum) to act as a hold-down over the oil transfer hole, then pressurize through the lower oil fill port. A hand pump with a built-in pressure gauge can be procured through the likes of Harbor Freight, Amazon, and auto parts stores. Check out Home Made Pressure Tester for one example of how to check it in its entirety. If you don't have any obvious leaks from the areas you can easily see, you can use this same pressure setup on the lower unit as I mentioned above.
As for the reservoir, I believe it needs to be plugged, but my girl's too old to know for sure. I don't have the remote reservoir system that I can check with.

 

[douglee25]

There's very few places an out drive can leak. Most likely it's the lower shaft seals. It could also be as simple as the orings on the fill/drain plugs. Either way, do something similar to the video. Likely draining the fluid will be easier, because then you can use a soap/water solution to find your bubbles.

 

[SeaRay]

I am fairly positive there is water getting in there. I have changed the drive oil every fall for over 10 years and it has never looked like this. Plus it is over 20 years old and I have never replaced any seals or O-rings on the drive (other than those needed when it is removed)

The fiber gaskets on the drain plugs get replaced every year, they looked good when removed.

Most things I have read said the oil needs to drained.

Not sure if I need to have the drive off to looks for leaks? I have had it off before, not a big deal to remove it if I need to. I would guess I need to plug the line to the reservoir if I do?

I have a prop wrench. I was planning on removing the prop during the pressure test.

What video are you referring to? I have been unable to find anything specific to the Bravo 3.

Are special tools needed to replace any potential leaking o-rings or seals?

Thanks in advance

 

[Brite Idea]

I also had water in my Bravo III drive at the end of last season. When I removed the props low and behold the bearing carrier was corroded away to the point you could see behind the seal. So a good inspection and pressure and vacuum test will help you find the leak. I had both drives repaired and the shop installed the Seacore bearing carriers which are stainless so problem solved. I hope your leak is a simple one? Please post back what the problem is when you find it.