1989 Evinrude 120 VRO water leak near lower unit

[natedogg3991]

I have a 1989 Evinrude 120 VRO. Last night I got it out to get ready for some fun at the lake this weekend. Changed and checked the lower unit and everything looked good. A friend brought over some water muffs so we could start the engine and make sure everything looked good before getting to the lake. This is the first time I have ever ran the motor out of the water. When the engine was going we noticed some water leaking out of the area around where the lower unit connects with the rest of the motor. The lube in the lower unit looked good so I do not think that there is any getting in there. Also the stream coming out of the normal spots on the motor seemed good as well. I am not sure if this is common or something to be worried about.

Attached is a picture with the area circled where the water was coming out. It was not a lot of water but you could tell there was some pressure behind it as it did not come out when the motor was not running with the water on.

 

[JDusza]

The area circled is the split between the upper and lower housings. Water coming out here should not be a problem as long as there is water coming from the tell-tale and the engine is not overheating. This area should not be associated with lower unit oil unless you have bad seals in the lower unit. There is nothing in this leg except exhaust and some water.
J