'67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

[newbie8]

I am looking to purchase the merc, ser# 2165537, and it appears to run out just fine. However, there is what appears to be a grease/oil leak that starts from within the inboard side of the cowling of the powerhead and runs down the front of the middle unit to the waterline of the engine.<br />It feels tacky to the touch, similar to old oil leaks on an auto, but the only source of any visible oil/grease is the zirc fitting inside the cowling.<br />Is this a normal condition due to operation or should I become extremely wary of potential problems?

 

[Backlash]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

Hey Newbie,<br />I'm sure you mean 2 stroke in your post....but anyway, it probably is 2 cycle oil residue that has accumulated after being stored with the motor tilted up. Run the motor with the cowling off and look for any visible fuel leaks around the carburator. Check it out & let us know.<br />Backlash

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

NEWBE<br /> I also have the same motor and the mine gets that only if I leave it tilted up for long periods of time especially if tilted to its max. It has to do with the fuel level in the carbs and<br />how far you tilt it. Mine leaks form the carb vent hole. Also if you are going to leave it tilted up disconnect the fuel line to the motor.<br /><br />

 

[newbie8]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

Backlash, this is a series of 4-strokers from 63-71. <br />RickRick1, does this appear to be a leakage around the gaskets or is this due to deteriorating hoses and fittings?<br /><br />Either way, I'll check it out and let you fellows know what happens.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[JeffdeG45]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

I have the same motor and the same problem. Let us know what the deal is! Thanks, Jeff

 

[Backlash]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

Sorry Newbie,<br />I'm certainly old enough to know better. Perhaps another of my "senior moments". I seem to be having more of those of late. Let us know where the oil leak is when you find it. <br />Backlash

 

[JB]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

Say, Newbie.<br />I would really like to learn more about a series of Merc 4 stroke engines from '63 to '71.<br /><br />Could it be that you mean 4 cylinder? <br /><br />In 1971 the only manufacturers who had ever marketed a 4 stroke outboard were Fageol, Homelite and Fisher-Pierce who each took a turn at the Crosley based 55, and FP offered the Coventry Climax based 85. Both models were known as Bearcats.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[newbie8]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

JB, your right as usual, I did mean a 4 cylinder.<br /><br />An update on the problem for those interseted, I talked to a factory rep today and he also agrees that this is probably(?) is due to faulty hoses. I'm planning on digging into this problem of the 5th or 6th, so I should have some news after the weekend.<br /><br />Thanks for all the interest, it is nice to know that you are not alone.<br /><br />Keep the wet side wet and the dry side dry.<br />Be safe over the holiday and talk to you soon.<br /><br />Paul

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

NEWBE<br /> THere are some small vent holes on the back side of the carbs. When you tilt the motor up the fuel level changes and some times when the fuel in the carb and your tank expand there will be some seapage from these vent holes. If I am going to tilt mine up for more than a day I disconnect the fuel line and run the carbs dry. this will in most cases stop the problem. Another indication of this is after being tilted up for an extended time there will be some fuel on the fuel catch drain and this will drain out the left forward side of the motor looking from tyhe rear. There is a drain hose on the plate below the carbs check and see if your motor has this and the hose is where the fuel /oil is coming from.

 

[newbie8]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

RickRick1<br />I have noticed the pooling that you mentioned and I will definitely try the trick of running the carbs dry, but I did find on of the plastic threaded elbows on the right side (from the rear) was loose. This is going to be an adventure to remove the hose and tighten, but what the hey, it's a learning experience, right?<br /><br />Check-in again soon.

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

Hey Newbe,<br /><br />If you remove the starter you can get to all the fuel lines real easy. Just be sure and disconnect your motor from its battery, I always disconnect only the + side and put a cap over the terminal on the battery, this keeps everything safe. When you take the starter off watch and make sure your wires are in good condition. this is a good time to check and replace any wires. be sure and mark your wires and where they go before disconnecting them.

 

[newbie8]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

Rick,<br /><br />Already figured that on out, but thanks anyway.<br /><br />Will keep looking and tweeking.

 

[newbie8]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

Just a quick update- had to put the boat in the shop for repair of stress fractures in the transom. Should have it back tommorrow.<br /><br />In checking over the engine I did find that plugs #1 & #2 had managed to back-out and there were some oil leaks due to that. Any more engine work will have to wait for a day or two, since I had a run in wth the barbs on a channel cat- the cat won.<br /><br />You will notice that I corrected the header for the posting.<br />Keep em dry and enjoy the day.

 

[newbie8]

Re: '67 Merc 65hp 4cyl oil leak?

This should be the final post on this topic.<br /><br />After running the beejeesus out of the motor this weekend, there is no further evidence of the oil/fuel leaks.<br /><br />Therefore, it appears that the loose plugs, loose fitting and the draining of the carbs have solved this mystery.<br /><br />Thanks go out to everyone, RR1 you have much knowledge, continue to share it.<br /><br />Fair winds and following seas. <br /><br />I will continue to monitor and offer advice when possible. <br />Paul