Oil leaking from small hole in lower unit

[mrallen007]

I have a 1994 Johnson 2.0HP two stroke (model HJ2DRERM). There is a small hole in the lower unit on the front of the unit on the upper portion over the prop shaft. As near as I can tell, the hole is supposed to be there. I seem to be leaking lower unit oil from this hole. This is a bit concerning as I'm building this out to be a kicker motor to back up my primary outboard. I have it hanging upright on a basic outboard bracket with a slight tilt to it. In other words, it's sitting much as it would once mounted to the boat and is leaking.

Is this normal? I'm somewhat new to outboards so I may be asking an easy question here, but I'd rather be safe than dead in the water.

Thanks!

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Oil leaking from small hole in lower unit

There are often drain holes around the lower unit to drain water from the leg.
It is normal for some unburned oil from the fuel to drain from them.
Is the hole on the join between the gear case and the exhaust housing?

If you are sure it is gear oil ( smells like rotting cabbages) you need to investigate or you will almost certainly end up with water in the gear case. The only likely place to leak and for oil to appear where you describe is from a defective drive shaft seal but oil from the fuel is far more likely. That will smell burnt and possibly of gasoline

Read
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=207285

 

[F_R]

Re: Oil leaking from small hole in lower unit

Check the oil in the gearcase. If it is full and no water, quit worrying. It is normal for oil to drain down from the exhaust. It is the oil that you put in the gas. It has gone through the powerhead and done its job of lubricating the moving parts. What didn't burn, is discharged.

 

[mrallen007]

Re: Oil leaking from small hole in lower unit

That makes me fell a lot better. Thanks guys! I'll check the oil level in the lower unit, but I'll quit worrying that it's something worse.

 

[kbait]

Re: Oil leaking from small hole in lower unit

Make sure you check for water, not just level..