Volvo Penta MD2040D small oil leak

[landonshaw]

I have a Volvo Penta MD2040D that I have finally found a small leak that I have been searching for. A few months ago, I had a Marine shop replace the front sealing ring in the timing gear housing. When they put it back together, a leak had developed from the a top bolt that passes through the casing and tightens the water pump">raw water pump to the casing.
I would prefer not to take everything apart again to fix the leak unless I have too.
I am guessing that an edge on the gasket (#3583710) that the bolt goes through is allowing a small amount to oil to pass by and out of the engine. The leak is not coming from the head of the bolt.
Any idea how to fix without dismantling everything. I was thinking of taking the one bolt out where it is leaking and pushing liquid gasket in and then screwing the bolt back tight. Maybe it would help form a gasket around the bolt.

Any suggestions?

[DougR]

You are probably correct in that a fold or small tear in the gasket is causing the leak, or it could be a scratch or burr on the cover or the front plate of the engine.

If you remove the sea water pump you can see inside the housing and you might be able to see a problem, or at least get better access. You might also be able to remove the plate on the rear of the sea water pump for better access to the housing and the bolt hole passage to place sealant.

My recollection is that there might be a problem removing the rear plate because of bolt interference, but I might be mistaken......its been a long time. In any event I think it's worth a look and a try to seal it. It's not a direct pressure line so it might be successful.

DougR