110 merc 9.8 horse weep hole leaking oil

['68StarcraftHoliday]

So new to the site and I hope someone could give me a little advice. I have an old 110 9.8 hp that has a small 1/16" weep hole in the lower unit just above the buldge that incases the output shaft bearings. (Sorry more of an auto mechanic than boat so not sure if I have my terminology correct) So the small weep hole is leaking brownish oil. I assume gear lube with water contamination. I havent had the boat long and I know it HAD automotive gear lube in it when I got it. I drained and replaced gear lube with correct marine oil. The hole was also JB welded shut and no Idea how long. Any Ideas what seal would cause this weep hole to leak??

 

[carholme]

Re: 110 merc 9.8 horse weep hole leaking oil

Do you have a s/n for the engine?

The 1/16" holes are weep holes to drain water to prevent freezing and rupturing the case. Usually, oil leaking from them is indicative of a shift shaft or water pump base seal leaking and allowing gearbox oil to exit the gearbox at the top and finding its way to the weep hole. If you drop the lower unit, the first thing you will see is the top of it with oil present, which it shouldn't be. Where it is should tell you which seal is leaking or for the cost, change them both while you have the LU down.
You should be able to tell by the smell of the residue if it is gear oil or unburnt fuel/oil mix.

Get the s/n and we can show you the parts list and possibly a service manual.

Gerry

 

['68StarcraftHoliday]

Re: 110 merc 9.8 horse weep hole leaking oil

Thanks for the reply. I think I will drop the lower unit on the little guy and check it out I have a feeling it needs some attention. Or just JB weld it shut and magically the problem is gone??? Wow I can't believe someone did that to it in the first place...