We just completed our 2nd annual Grand Sailing Adventure - 2 weeks cruising. We went over 500 miles (Racine WI to Charlevoix MI) and back and motored most of it. Near the end I noticed transmission fluid leaking - or spraying - underneath the trans. LF38 with a Westerbeke 27 and a V-Drive transmission. I've never had any issues with oil or trans leaking. I checked the fluid levels...no detectable decrease on the dipstick, but, there is only about a quarter inch area at the bottom of the stick to show the fluid levels. When I wiped the bottom of the trans off with a paper towel I could not detect where the fluid was coming from. It doesn't appear to be a drip, but, more like a spray just underneath the trans. I might suspect some sort of seal between the trans and shaft, but, am pretty clueless about how it is all put together. Has anybody else encountered a similar problem? I am asking for a probable diagnosis and how much trouble I am in for. I have about 6 weeks left in the season with a few weekend sails and then, probably, motoring for 5 hours or so to the winter haulout. Am I safe to keep using it? It us usually pretty normal for a pretty loud clunk when shifting from neutral to forward or reverse....but it hasn't slipped or failed. yet...
Spencer Johnson 1984 LF38 "Alegria" Racine, WI (home in Mount Prospect, IL)
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