Oil in can after starting outboard motor

[Dennyps]

Hey All, 68 Evinrude 55 with Selectric tranny: well I had real progress my motor actually started. Although not running for long + ruff, took advice from Alcan and removed and in the process of cleaning carbs. But after I had started the motor I noticed some oil in the big trash can I was using to keep water in the lower leg. I also noticed that when I removed the prop there was quite a bit of grease on the shaft "normal" and most of it was gone of course when I was done with my test. I am wondering if there is a way 1. to check fluid level in my lower gear case? and 2. to should I be worried there may be a leak? If so I would appreciate troubleshooting advice? Thanks in advance, Denny

 

[jimtodd72]

Re: Oil in can after starting outboard motor

There is no way to truly check the lower unit lube except to open the upper vent plug and see if it is topped off. Sounds like you probably have some bad seals in your lower unit and with electric shift, this is a big problem since shifting is done via a hydraulic pump in the lower unit and if there is low lube, or water mixed with the lube, this pump cannot pressurize the oil and therefore cannot shift properly. Get a repair manual and test for leaks around the prop shaft and elsewhere. There are lots of folks on this forum to help you out with this on most any detail. The good news is that your powerhead is running and that's always the first step.

 

[flips]

Re: Oil in can after starting outboard motor

when you say oil in can if this is your test tank <br />for running your motor that seems ok if you could<br />not start it you would have oil in water more so if it does not start even when going you will have abit of oil in water if not mucch dont worry its normal. grease on shaft should always<br />be there you grease it when you put prop on.<br />to test oil level on lower unit remove top screw<br />and bottom filler plug inject lower lube in bottom plug till it pours out thur top hole this is done when leg is down. hope this helps cheers..

 

[12Footer]

Re: Oil in can after starting outboard motor

All great advise, and only one thing to add..Use new gaskets on the VENT/FILL screws,and make sure all of the old gasket has been removed.<br />Fill it,run it,and drain/check it again.The lube isn't expensive. It's messy,I know, but if you find water contamination, it's important to determine where it got in.The VENT/FILL screw gaskets are one primary cause. So, run it on the new lube, recheck after an outing by draining and refilling (again use new gaskets). If clean, you are ready to rock.If not, you have a bad seal or seals that need attention.<br />Glad to hear you got her fired-off at least

 

[alcan]

Re: Oil in can after starting outboard motor

Hi Denny<br /> Congrats on your test fire. Remember you need the type of gear oil for the elect. shift.

 

[alcan]

Re: Oil in can after starting outboard motor

Hi Denny<br />Congrats on your test fire. Remember you need the type gear oil for elect shift.

 

[Dennyps]

Re: Oil in can after starting outboard motor

Thanks everyone for the tips, I will change out the gear oil Type C and recheck and run after I reinstall the carbs. You have all been so good thanks for tracking with me Alcan, I appreciate your particular expertise. Denny

 

[Dennyps]

Re: Oil in can after starting outboard motor

Well I pulled the carbs and no it has not started yet [another post] but I definately have a leak. From an exterior visual I cannot identify the location of the leak and I found a plug underneath the lip surrounding the motor just below the powerplant [port side]. I found another screw which does not look like a plug type [looks like a tapered head screw] on the starboard side about 3/4 down the leg. As yet I have not found the "lower plug". I heard a comment on a simular type motor in another post that said one of these screws is for somthing else that when removed could cause you to pull the whole leg to re-assemble it because it's sring loaded. So anyone got one of these and know the precise locations of the upper and lower drain/fill plugs for the gear box? As always appreciate everyone's input, Denny [manual is coming tommarrow, ha ray!!]