Oil leak: 1965 40 hp Johnson Super Seahorse RKL-27A

[imported_Crusty]

Hi folks,

Just above the propeller, on the unit itself, there is a small hole, centered, maybe about 1/8" that looks like a screw should go in it. Right now oily grease and a little water is dripping out. Please see the photo for exact location.

I tried looking this problem/part up but nothing close. This is a Canadian manufactured 40 hp Johnson Serial #C459078. I thought it was a '62 but numbers seem to point to '65. Thanks - Crusty.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Oil leak: 1965 40 hp Johnson Super Seahorse RKL-27A

Can't see the picture, but you'll be glad to know that is perfectly normal. The hole's purpose is to drain water from the lowest point of the exhaust system, so any unburnt fuel/oil will end up dripping out of there. The unburnt fuel/oil can conceivably be caused by an engine problem, but is also created by idling / midrange throttle a lot. Old 2-strokes aren't all that fuel efficient doing that and what they don't use ends up in the exhaust.

 

[imported_Crusty]

Re: Oil leak: 1965 40 hp Johnson Super Seahorse RKL-27A

Can't see the picture, but you'll be glad to know that is perfectly normal. The hole's purpose is to drain water from the lowest point of the exhaust system, so any unburnt fuel/oil will end up dripping out of there. The unburnt fuel/oil can conceivably be caused by an engine problem, but is also created by idling / midrange throttle a lot. Old 2-strokes aren't all that fuel efficient doing that and what they don't use ends up in the exhaust.

Thanks Paul for the quick reply - and you're right. Our prop hub failed so we had to idle/paddle for about 1/2 hour to reach shore. There's only a small amount of gunk in the bucket this morning. I managed to find some other threads to ease my mind. Thanks eh from a new boater in Ottawa!