Oil leaking from my 1973 Mercury 650s Prop

[jeffers416]

Any help would be appreciated! I have a slight drip of dark oil coming from the prop. Is this just a seal? Can I pull the prop and easily replace something myself? I just bought the boat and the motor runs great, however I cannot afford to spend tons of money having this leak looked at. Thanks!

[verado7]

are you new to 2 stroke outboards - reason i ask is it could just be your gas mix or carbs flooding - or are you sure its gear oil .

["G"]

Jeffers- If you removed a pound of fish line from behind the prop your seal is shot. It takes a special tool to remove the carrier nut and carrier which holds the seal. There is a tool that fits tight to the prop shaft and screws into and grabs the seal. If you can get the seal out with out screwing up the carrier housing, that's great. There will be two seals... the inner seals oil in, the outer seals water and fish line out. Be sure to orient/install the new seals correctly and remember to seal the seals in the carrier with gasiola or an equal product. If the prop shaft has a couple of groves in it (where the seals ride) you need a speedy sleeve machined onto your prop shaft. That's cheaper than a new PS for sure! While your unit is down, check the shift shaft as well. They are noted as being poor sealers and the SS wears easy. They replace pretty easy and fairly cheap.
Hope that helps