1988 4hp deluxe LU oil leak

[bassboy1]

Last weekend we had the motor out without problem. When we got home, we clamp it in the shop like we always do. Earlier this week we saw that oil seemed to be leaking from the LU. We looked at it closer tonight and this is what we saw

 

[bassboy1]

Re: 1988 4hp deluxe LU oil leak

When we tip it up, some water comes out of the little hole below near the top of the leak. What is that hole for anyway? It seems obvious that the water can get in that hole, but if the grease can get to it, the water can get to the lower unit grease. We are gonna try to pull the lower unit next weekend if we get time, but aren't sure we will be able to.

BTW, two trips ago we hit a stump but it seemed to have dinged up the casing and the paint. And we hit it with the skeg and prop not seemingly high enough to cause a leak up there.

Also, I think the reason it is leaking more on the right side is that when we store it, it is turned to the right. Since it is trimmed up to the third hole, when turned to the right, it leans a good bit.

 

[Joey One]

Re: 1988 4hp deluxe LU oil leak

Not to Worry. That's just dirty burnt oil in the exhaust gas. Those holes are just for that purpose; to let the oil and water drain from the exhaust housing.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1988 4hp deluxe LU oil leak

agree, with Joey One, have you ever decarbed the engine. cleans the guts out, like and enema. gets rid or the excess old carbon build up. also been known to free up rings, and raise compression.

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035563

 

[bassboy1]

Re: 1988 4hp deluxe LU oil leak

I don't know if it has ever been decarbed. The guy we got it from bought it from a widow. He knew nothing about boats. He had it serviced and on his first trip out something got in the carb and stranded him. He got mad and sold it to us for what he got it for.
That is all the history we know on it.

What, if any, harm would be done if I waited 2 or 3 trips before decarbing it? Is that a thing I should not do, or is it not a major issue?

 

[River - Runner]

Re: 1988 4hp deluxe LU oil leak

bassboy1..... That's interesting. To me it seems like a lot of oil. Because of previous unknown use, do the decarb process and see what happens. My '91 Deluxe never shows oil there. Keep us informed.

I've never really did a thorough decarb job on my motors, other than run 1 can (16 oz) Sea Foam to 3 gallons of gas through each of them for the first time last summer, including my 38 year old 25 hp. Johnson. Just a little extra white smoke came out of the running motors, was all that happened.

Take care of your Deluxe. If I was to have but one motor, it's the 4 hp. Deluxe.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: 1988 4hp deluxe LU oil leak

The 1994 on Craigslist that I posted, was relisted for $500. As of last week, I had saved up enough money for a powerdrive trolling motor. May just have to wait.