2015 Response TXi - leak through drive shaft

[Maaas]

Hello everyone,

I was winterizing my 2015 Response TXi today and noticed something that surprised and concerned me.  I had drained the water from all of the recommended places in the engine and ran antifreeze in.  As we finished, I noticed that some antifreeze was leaking from the drive shaft at the bottom of the boat.  This is my 3rd summer/winterization with this boat and the first time I've noticed this.  Am I just not very observant (the last 2 years) or is this a sign of a new problem?

I've been reading information on my boat and searching the forums, but I'm still unsure of what is happening.  I have a dripless shaft packing (with a small hose that comes from the engine).  I don't see leaks in this area in to the bilge, just the leak out the bottom of the boat.  I read several comments on different forums that when you have a dripless shaft seal, that this is normal, but I'm not feeling confident of this.

I've not noticed water leaking in to the boat all summer.  I don't get much water in the bilge.  I winterize the boat on a lift and this is the only time I run the boat out of the water (while pouring the antifreeze in).

Does anyone have experience with this?  I appreciate any help!

Thank you,

Mindy

 

[ahopkins22LSV]

100% normal and nothing to be concerned about. The dripless packing is cooled by raw water. So anytime you run the boat out of the water there will be water exiting there. If there isn’t, that is when you should be concerned 

[Maaas]

Thank you!!  I've been making myself a little crazy all afternoon trying to figure this out.

I appreciate your help!

Mindy