1990 Force 120hp lower unit

[djkforce]

I have had two different shops work on my 1990 Force 120 hp lower unit and before I can get it in the water I am noticing oil coming from the small hole in the front right side of the lower unit. Both shops have said they pressure tested it and it has held for days. As soon as I get it home and on the boat with it tilted slightly it begins to leak.

Anyone have a thought on why this is and how to correct it?

Thanks

Dave

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1990 Force 120hp lower unit

Welcome to iboats,

How big is the "small hole", and where is it located?

What is leaking out? Dark gassy smelling unburnt fuel, or clean gearlube?

I would be it is exhaust residue and unburnt fuel, leaking from a weep hole which drains the midsection of the motor. This is perfectly normal.

 

[djkforce]

Re: 1990 Force 120hp lower unit

The hole I believe is the one on the right front of the lower unit and believe is the one associated with the exhaust are. The fluid coming out at first was dark and thin. I believe it was from when I winterized it last year since the gas line was disconnected. I have not started this motor yet this year. I noticed yesterday that the leak is now a thicker oil. I just put oil in the tilt n trim could it be that?

As you can see I am not a mechanic.

Thanks

Dave

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1990 Force 120hp lower unit

Picture please,Jerry

 

[djkforce]

Re: 1990 Force 120hp lower unit

I am about 99% sure it is lower unit oil now. I went to take pictures of the area the oil was coming from and as you can see the oil came running out when I turned the motor. Now I have had three different shops pressure test this motor and I get it back to mount it and within a day or two it is leaking. any ideas?

 

[djkforce]

Re: 1990 Force 120hp lower unit

Does anyone have an idea why this lower unit pressure test fine when it is off the motor and leaks a few days after it is mounted on the motor?

 

[PMcColley]

Re: 1990 Force 120hp lower unit

That hole does not go into the lower unit area that is sealed, if you drop off the lower unit and look down the pockets around the water pump you will see drain holes on both sides. I have the same engine and just happen to have my LU off right now as the bottom plate that seals the LU is leaking and I had oil leaking from the sealed area out the plate and out those same holes.

If your pressure test is good then the fluids may be coming from someplace else.