Universal M-25 Oil Leak

[W. Sonntag]

I own a 1984 Cape Dory with the original Universal M-25 engine. There are approximately 1200 hours on the engine. All running gear including alternator, transmission shaft and propellor are stock and as original.The exception is that an upgraded 3" diameter heat exchanger has been installed to correct highter than specified engine operating temperatures experienced in warm ambient cooling water conditions. The heat exchanger replacement was executed pursuant to a factory service advisory. There are no extra engine accesories. The engine is routinely run at about 2200 to 2400 and moves the boat quite well, emits no smoke, blue, black and white.

The problem is engine lubrication oil leakage. Due to suspected yard and owner overfilling of the engine crankcase, the oil pan gasket leaks. It is not a major leak,no more than a quart each season. However, as is well known, a minor oil keak on a boat of this type creates a housekeeping mess and can result in a risk of environmental contamination if the leaking oil is not well managed.

Question? Is there an alternative to removing the engine to replace the pan gesket? As installed there simply is insufficient access under the engine to the many bolts that fasten the pan to the block.

Has anyone used a crankcase additive to reduce or eliminate minor oil leaks? I know there are products sold for gasoline engines. Will they work in a diesel engine? Will they create more problems than their worth?

Any response or referrals to products or additional websites or information exchange sites concerning diesel engine maintenance would be appreciated.

Fair Winds & Happy Sailing For 2000!

W.Sonntag c/o dalbers1@earthlink.net



dalbers1@earthlink.net

[Richard Feffer]

You may be able to stop the leak by simply tightening the bolts that you are able to get to. This has worked for me when trying to stop leaks on heavy equiptment and trucks. Good luck! Let us know if it works.
Richard



RichFef@Prodigy.net