unk oil.grease running down skeg

[jgregory01]

Took the boat out for a few hours today. Ran great. Its a 1999 Johnson 50hp. First thing I noticed that was strange though is that when trimmed up at one of the islands, the motor slowly returned all the way down into the water. It is doing this now so I figure more hydraulic fluid needed in the T/T motor? It trims up and down quick but when left up it slowly returns with gravity.

Second thing I noticed was when flushing the motor at home. After running it for about 15min I noticed a brown/gray line of foamy oil or grease running down the skeg from the prop area. I dont know if a seal is broken or something? Im not a mechanic and before I call mine I figured I would ask here. I dont know if something inside the lower unit happened? Like I said, it ran good.

I did bottom out(at a snails pace) coming up to an island and the motor stopped but that was quick and it fired up after and ran great. Photo of the substance is attached.

Side Note: Tons and tons and tons of lovebugs at Parish Park and throughout the IRL.

 

[DJ]

Re: unk oil.grease running down skeg

1. Yes, your best bet is to top off the T/T reservoir.

2. That is most likely unburned fuel residue. However, now is a great time to change your lower unit lube and see. Make sure you replace the fill/drain plug seals.

Also, remove the prop. and look for fishing line wrapped around the shaft. Don't forgetr to lubricate the propshaft with a waterproof grease.

 

[Lostfisher]

Re: unk oil.grease running down skeg

That is just unburnt oil from the powerhead. perfectly fine.

 

[jgregory01]

Re: unk oil.grease running down skeg

Thanks to all. Strange that I have never seen this. I always flush it.

 

[Mojo^]

Re: unk oil.grease running down skeg

jgregory01, thank you for posting this and making the effort to attach pics. I am experiencing the same on a recently acquired 1997 25 hp. Johnson and was worried that it could be a blown seal but wasn't sure how to describe the condition or ask the question. So, this is normal then?

 

[jgregory01]

Re: unk oil.grease running down skeg

bump for answer to mojos question

 

[DJ]

Re: unk oil.grease running down skeg

jgregory01, thank you for posting this and making the effort to attach pics. I am experiencing the same on a recently acquired 1997 25 hp. Johnson and was worried that it could be a blown seal but wasn't sure how to describe the condition or ask the question. So, this is normal then?

It depends. It is very common. However, if you KNOW your lower unit is not getting water in it-then yes.

When in doubt, service the lower unit and keep an eye on it.

 

[skeletor68]

Re: unk oil.grease running down skeg

My 1977 85 hp omc unit was dripping this so called unburned oil out the pee hole after coming out of the water i was told this is normal ? but after dropping my lower unit i discovered unburned oil in the impeller and gear shift incasing the exaust was blowing that crap in because the seal was bad and not sealing it out. I thought i would mention this cause i have been trying to get a answer for this problem nobody's said anything about that seal. You may have blew the seal your not suppose to run ear muffs for 15 min on a flush out that part of the unit gets hotter when not sumerged. Pretty easy to replace though .