leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

the k-man

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Sep 17, 2010
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So I recently rebuilt my carbs, and once I unsuccessfully started the engine I noticed this leaking form around the prop. Is this an easy fix, or does anyone have an idea of what it likely is. Is it bad for me to try and start the engine with this leak?

IMG_2274.jpg


Thanks for any suggestions or insight.
 

Bosunsmate

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Apr 7, 2012
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6,135
Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

Two stroke im picking? Looks like unburnt oil-possible lower crankshaft seal leak
What model motor?
 

tpenfield

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Jul 18, 2011
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18,190
Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

I have an idea of what is causing the leak. . . no it is not bad to start the engine with this leak.

I would be checking the prop shaft seal . . . sort of looks like you have a combination of oil and water leaking out.

No boating for you until it is fixed though, as it will pollute the water.
 

the k-man

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Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

the engine model is a 1969 85hp evinrude 85993e

Should I just start by taking the prop off then?

Also this happened after repeated attempts at getting the engine to kinda turnover for a half second but never actually start. I don't know if that makes sense. Could these repeated attempts have caused this? Or was this something that was just going to happen regardless.

Also any tips on getting the engine to start again? It acts like it wants to go. The fuel is at least 5 months old with no preservative. Should I just try fresh fuel? I don't really want to dive into the prop until I know the engine will at least idle, haha.

Thanks for the thoughts
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

Agree, looks like black, tarry liquid, probably unburned fuel residue from inside the midsection. Not a significant problem. Common issue with these two strokes. Always best to run any outboard on fresh fuel. Check your spark and compression to get an idea of the condition of the powerhead.
 

the k-man

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Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

I took the spark plugs out but am unsure what they should look like. They seem a little gunky. Are these fine? tHEY have not had much use.

SparkPlugs.jpg


If these are bad is this likely the cause of my engine not wanting to turn over?
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

Check your spark and compression. Spark should jump a 3/8 " open air gap on a spark tester. Looks like unburned fuel coming from around the prop.
 

OptsyEagle

Lieutenant
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Sep 13, 2006
Messages
1,359
Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

Your fine. It is just unburnt fuel and oil dripping down your exhaust, which mainly comes out your propeller. This is exacerbated by your failed attempts to start it but can happen after normal use as well. When you are done for the season, open up the lower unit's drain plug and see if water comes out (if you let the motor sit for a day before you do this any water should move to the bottom of the lower unit and come out first). If it doesn't then I am 100% right about the unburnt exhaust suggestion, since that and your lower unit oil is the only oil in the entire motor. If water does come out, then very little harm will be done to your motor if a small amount of water gets in there for a month or two (or until your season is over. If your season never ends, then change the lower unit oil this week to be sure).

The spark plugs are fine as well. Remember, when you kill your motor, you are really just grounding out the spark. The pistons keep turning for a few revs, without spark, but since they are still pulling in fuel and you just grounded the spark, instead of the fuel and oil burning it gets sprayed all over your plugs and drips down your exhaust.
 

boobie

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20,826
Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

Did you ever get the mtr started ??
 

the k-man

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Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
27
Re: leaking oil from what appears to be the prop

Thanks all for your replies.
I have not got the motor started yet, but haven't got a chance to try again. I am going to try with fresh fuel then move to a compression test.

I looked at the instructions for compression test and it seems confusing, if i get to that point I will be back for help for sure.

Will update you all this weekend.

Thanks again, not sure what I would do without the collective help of the forum.
 
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