Conference unifix::sailing

1205.0. "Atomic 4 oil leak" by SQPUFF::HASKELL () Thu May 11 1989 14:22

    I just finished cleaning a good amount of engine oil from the bilge
    of my 30' Pearson. What a god awful job. I could not reach the bottom
    with my hand and so had to use broshes and sponges at the end of
    poles. Took a long time. I was able to drop a coffee can down on
    a line to bail out most of the goop.
    
    I seems that everything on the Atomic 4 is ok, no leaks. Where did
    the oil come from? 
    
    Well, looking at the right side of the engine when looking aft,
    there is a small sump pump handle built into the block. Last fall
    I used this pump to pump the oil out when I winterized the engine.
    At the time, I noticed that there was some oil that coated my fingers
    each time I pushed the handle down, but I did't think that it was
    all that much. I was wrong.
    
    Has anyone experienced this problem before? If so, what did you
    do to correct it.
    
    I think that all I have to do is to repack the gland arounf the
    pump handle.
    
    Does anyone know if there are gaskets that are used or what the
    correct material is to use? Also, where can one get the necessary
    material?
    
    I would like to get this resolved before I change the oil again.
    
    Thanks
    
    Paul

    Paul:
    Is that a diesel atomic 4 or a gasoline?  if that is where I think
    you described the location, I only have a pipe plug into the pan,
    not a pump (probably because of the tight access on mine.)
    
    It sounds like a lot of oil for a leaking pump, but it is feasible,
    I suppose.  

    If you get a spill like that again, consider using a water vacuum.
    It works wonders in hard to get places in bilges.