what is this?

[maineiac5586]

I have a 98 johnson 50 spl and noticed this oily trail from in front of propellor. it is definitely not gear oil, it is much too thin and wipes right off, drained gearcase., no signs of water, the same stuff is coming out of the propellor hub, any ideas?? It feels like watery exhaust with a touch of 2 stroke oil mixed in, is this cause for alarm? see picture, looks much thicker in picture but shows where it is coming from

 

[strombolichef]

Re: what is this?

I had the same thing and always assumed it was un burned fuel since its draining from the exhaust section, not the oil side of the gearcase. I never worried about it and never had a problem.

 

[ezeke]

Re: what is this?

Looks like unburned fuel mix from the engine that has drained through the exhaust. That's normal and expected to be be heavier after running on muffs, de-carbon treatment, or trolling, where more oil is left unburned.