replace seal?

[hutche]

hi all just wondering why my engine is leaking oil,its a 1978 115hp johnson which leaks just a little bit of oil from the top of the leg mainly after being tilted up.could this need a new seal at top of leg?thanks

 

[mark1961]

Re: replace seal?

I suspect its just the premix that runs out of the carb when tilted up and builds up in the lower engine cover. When you tilt the motor down it runs out of the cover to where you found it in the pic, you could keep the innards of the lower pan cleaner with regular degreasing to try and minimize it. I believe there is a seal of sorts in that area, more to keep water out rather than oil in though, really not worth the trouble to replace it imo.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: replace seal?

Two likely possible sources of the oil leak. You may have a bad airbox cover gasket, and the normal oil/fuel leakage from the carbs may be leaking around that seal-out of the airbox, into the lower cowling. Also, check to make sure the airbox drain hose is connected to the block. If that line ever comes loose, it's messy. Both of these are easy fixes and cheap. Another more serious problem: possible you have a powerhead base gasket in the process of failing. A common malady on these crossflows. These tend to leak more to the rear of the engine. In addition to the oil leak, you may observe exhaust smoke inside the cowling as that gasket really breaks down.