Loose Ride Plate Bolts and Rust on Drive Shaft

[CharlestonRXT]

Hi All,
I posted last week on taking on a bit of water 1/2 to 1 gallon in about 2 hour period. I had it on the trailer in the water running and did not see anything. After reading various posts on water intrusion I decided to check my intake grate bolts all of them where nice and tight. I then moved to the 6 bolts holding on the ride plate and all where loose and one was almost hand tight. Is there a chance this is ware the water would be coming in from. Also while under the ski I noticed that the drive shaft has rust starting to form on it. Is the rust an issue? Please see attached picture. Thanks as always.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I spray every metal part, engine as well, with fluid film. Works great. To get some rust off, use PB Blaster and let it soak a bit.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

i replaced my driveshaft and it looked very similar to that.
more of a precaution than anything, but we were already replacing the PTO bearing and Carbon seal so it wasn't any extra labor just extra parts cost. Most importantly I didn't want that clip to pop and spring a major leak.

can't speak for the ride plate/leak, i've never experienced that.