Wanted to see if I could get some advice on a leak going on with my tilt and trim. Motor is a 2001 Mercury EFI.




Any ideas on what might be going on here? I was hoping it was just something where I could replace the seals but based on where it looks like it is coming from I don't think that is the case.

I can still trim up and down with mostly no issue. Sometimes it acts like it is straining but after a bit it starts working as normal. Any advice on continued use until I can get it into the shop? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Need to isolate that leak location first. Clean the tilt/trim unit up real good, ck./service the trim fluid, have second person assist you to run the unit up/down while you use bright light to find leak location.

Have you confirmed that the fluid level is dropping. That stuff on the driveway does not look like T&T fluid.

I agree it doesn't look like tilt and trim fluid. But I'm not sure it isn't picking up that dark color from debris and maybe even paint(?) as it drips down. Not sure. I've got to get some more fluid today or tomorrow and follow T Bird's advice to try and locate the leak. So far I can't tell really where it's coming out. But I did check that fluid port and it looks low to me.

Get some fluid & a oil/fliud can with a 4 0r 6 inch tip/ nozzle. I have benn filling my ol merc for a while. A word of caution !!! BE careful with the plastic plug for resvoir. I was removing mine last year and it BROKE.

Looking at your picture again it appears to be leaking from around the pump. Accessing the bolts on the pump involves removing the starboard motor bracket which is not that difficult especially with a jackplate. It you are lucky maybe you can just tighten the bolts. My Black Max required a long metric allen key. Not sure on a 2001.

I appreciate all the replies and advice. I added fluid and after a day or two had a bunch more of it leak out. It was definitely coming out from under the motor assembly there on the right. Fortunately, I was able to get to the two allen screws without having to take the brackets or anything off. Removed the motor assembly and the o-ring was loose. I have parts on the way so hopefully replacing the o-ring will do the trick.

Glad you were able to get to it without removing the motor bracket. I knew they had changed the design but was not sure what year.