Force 125 oil dripping near lower unit bolts

[erosenwinkel]

I have noticed that I have a small amount of oil slowly weeping out of what looks to be factory pre-drilled holes directly next to the bolts that hold the lower unit in place? This did not happen until I changed my lower unit oil a few days ago. Is this something I need to worry about? If this is something that needs attention, please give me some direction. No water in lower unit when I changed the oil. 1258x5a 1985 Force 125 hp.
Thanks in advance, Eric

 

[Justinde]

Re: Force 125 oil dripping near lower unit bolts

Hi Eric- can I call you a Viking??


Anyhow, I also have gearoil slightly leaking from my lower unit, I have a 1988 125. I just make sure that she is full prior to use. It has not effected the performance at all, nor am I worried about it.

I certainly am not in the market for a new lower leg, as they are hard to find, and when you find one, they are expensive, so I am living with it.

 

[erosenwinkel]

Re: Force 125 oil dripping near lower unit bolts

I actually have an extra motor with an identical lower unit so I am good for parts. However, I figured that if oil can get out . . .water can get in. How much is too much . . . etc. If it is a sign of a problem starting I want to know before I mess something up.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 125 oil dripping near lower unit bolts

Smell it! If it smells like gas that is normal. You just never noticed it before. If it smells like lower unit oil, then you MAY have a leak at the drive shaft seal or the cover plate (torpedo shaped)

It is normal for unburned gas and oil to drip from these weep holes. Most times it happens in the water so you don't normally notice it.

 

[erosenwinkel]

Re: Force 125 oil dripping near lower unit bolts

Doesn't smell like the lower unit oil that I drained out the other day, that had a distinctive lingering smell. This is definitely oil though, not gassy at all. Very thick, very black. Only seems to drip at 45 degree angle up on the transom keeper. If I were to guess, its got to be lower unit oil. When I change the water impeller next, 12 months or so, can I put a new seal on at that point? It has been in my garage for 4 months (after coming back from the river), no oil drip. I changed the lower unit oil, next time in the garage, boom, oil. Could I have overfilled it? You guys must really enjoy all my pain in the a@* questions that are probably obvious to most of you.
Thanks, Eric