If you don’t have all the necessary tools, there’s an alternative way to check for leaky seals. All you need is a spritzer bottle with some soapy water in it and an air supply. It doesn’t matter if it’s regulated from your compressor or from a few pumps with a bicycle pump, as long as it can deliver at least five PSI, which is probably more than the gearcase can develop while it’s in operation. Too much air pressure might flip an old seals lip inside out making an unnecessary teardown mandatory.
All you have to do is drain the oil thoroughly and reinstall the drain/fill plugs securely before spraying the soapy solution on the driveshaft, prop shaft, and shift rod seals along with anywhere else oil could leak out. Any leaks will show as bubbles or foam around the leaky area.
