Universal 5411 Oil Leak

[Andy and Mara]

Hello all -

We just installed a rebuilt Universal 5411 into our Cal 2-29 to replace the old Farymann that came with the boat. The engine has a total of 27 hours on it since the rebuild. We've had it out a couple of times and all seemed well until yesterday when we developed an oil leak.

It looks as though the leak is coming from behind the starter flange where it bolts to the rear end plate (I've attached pictures and will post more if that will help). We tightened down both of the bolts on the starter flange but it did not help, and it looks as though there *may* be a break in the bottom of the starter gasket. We are prepared to tear into this and replace the gasket but before we do we need to know: should there even be oil in that area? We've got all the service and parts manuals but we can't find an oil circulation diagram to tell whether it's even possible for oil to be leaking from that gasket.

Thanks so much for any help you can offer. Off to the courthouse to change our name to 'Murphy'...

Andy and Mara

[Sailorguy]

I have a 5432 Univ., not sure if there are any similarities. On the 5432 there is an oil access plug (1/8 or 1/4" npt?) located just above and slightly aft of the starter mount, for use in installing an oil pressure sending unit. Perhaps this is the source of the leak.

Steve

[Andy and Mara]

Sailorguy, I think we owe you a beer or two! We got everything all cleaned up, fired up the engine and it looks like that's exactly where it's coming from.

Thank you!