Oil leaking from water intake

[chrispow]

I just noticed tonight that there is lower unit oil leaking from the water intake on my 1985 40HP Evinrude. Can somebody shine some light on what may be happening here please?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

The drive shaft seal under the impeller or the shift rod seal...
Need to drop the lower and do a pressure test.

And Welcome to Iboats.!

 

[chrispow]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

Thank you. is this easy?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

Taking the lower unit off is not too difficult. On some motors the shift rod can be a pain to unhook.

What year,model,and size are we talking about?

 

[chrispow]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

It is a 1985 40 horse Evinrude. Electric Start, stick steering

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

if it is lower unit oil then yes a reseal is in order. It may just be unburnt fuel and oil dripping out of the exhaust. check the lower unit oil and see if it has any water in it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

read this: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=207285

 

[lindy46]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

It may just be unburnt fuel and oil dripping out of the exhaust.

See if it smells like gasoline - if it does, it's just unburnt oil, and that is normal with a 2-stroke engine.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

Coming out the water intakes on the side of the lower it is most likely gear oil.
But checking to make sure its not unburnt 2 stroke oil is a good start.
The 2 stroke oil usually drips out of the prop hub from the exhaust tube....
Should not be on the water intake side,,but i guess its possible if the exhaust tube seal is gone....
Gear oil is stinky and thick....you should be able to tell the difference..

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

Coming out the water intakes on the side of the lower it is most likely gear oil.
But checking to make sure its not unburnt 2 stroke oil is a good start.
The 2 stroke oil usually drips out of the prop hub from the exhaust tube....
Should not be on the water intake side,,but i guess its possible if the exhaust tube seal is gone....
Gear oil is stinky and thick....you should be able to tell the difference..

I always question whether it is coming out of the water intake or what he thinks is the water intake.

 

[clm1117]

Re: Oil leaking from water intake

Perfect direction to the answer to my question. I had just finished running marine Stabile through the motor. Here in NC that's all I do to winterize because I'm apt to use the boat at any moment all year long. If I don't use the boat for a month I'll crank it some more. On cold nights the motor will be insulated against freezing.

So the first time I noticed the oil I was concerned. Lower unit oil is still pristine after two months of moderate usage. Has to be unburned fuel oil.

Just for information - 1997 Johnson 50HP.