Lower Unit 1989 Evinrude 90hp V4

OK Guys. On the second day of looking at my newly aquired project boat. I tried to start the engine yesterday with the water muffs in place. It would not start. Today, I find black motor oil coming from two small pin holes located towards the front underside of the flat shelf like area of the lower unit. This is not the fin sticking down but the flat shelf like area that runs from front to rear of the top of the lower unit. These tiny holes, one on each side of that area appear to be part of the manufacture of the engine and not damage. I am assuming any oil coming from the lower unit is not a good thing. I did not realize there was actual motor oil in that unit. I thought they only housed grease. I am not knowlegable about engines. This motor has oil injection but I am assuming that there is no way that this can be oil from the injector for the power head.<br /> <br />Two Questions?<br /><br />How bad is this?<br /><br />Can these units be rebuilt with new seals etc.?<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Jim

Re: Lower Unit 1989 Evinrude 90hp V4

OH NO, NOT THAT!(Just yanging your chain a little).<br /><br />What your seein' is raw fuel that's ran down the inside of the leg and picked a bunch of carbon from the exhaust. It's normal and nothing to worry about. The engine might be flooded and that's where all the fuel is coming from. Pull the plugs and see if they're soaked. If they are, it's flooded.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

Re: Lower Unit 1989 Evinrude 90hp V4

hello<br /> smell the oil.<br /> if it smells like dead rotten shrimp or burned it may be gear lube. more likely its unburned fuel/oil mix from where the motor did not start. if it smells like gasoline dont worry about your gear case. the gear case has a GL75w-90 type oil in it not grease.<br /> good luck and keep posting

Re: Lower Unit 1989 Evinrude 90hp V4

Probably your seeing some unburnt 2 stroke oil, wouldnt worry too much about it, most likely wont see it again once your up and running. <br /><br />dm

Re: Lower Unit 1989 Evinrude 90hp V4

Great News you guys! I did smell a little gas in the oil! Great Gag there Hooty but you guys really know how to make a fella feel great. I was seeing hundred dollar bills blowing by my face. I was having some trouble starting it and I think it was because it was flooded. Thanks again for the great news. I am sure that there is a gas smell in the oil. Now I can sleep well tonight.<br /> <br />Jim