Evinrude V4 leaking oil around prop

[peterskeeter]

My Evinrude has been sitting up lately, suspended from an engine hoist. I am currently getting the transom ready for Seacast, but have ran into a problem. My motor is leaking oil from around the prop and it is NOT unburned premix oil, it is definitely gear case oil. It has never leaked oil before.

I noticed one month ago that the engine hoist "dropped", placing the skeg and prop into the mud, which was soft. I thought "No problem," as the mud was soft and the motor didn't seem to incur any damage. I simply lifted the hoist back up and it has been fine since. However, I have noticed the other day that I am now leaking gear oil from the base of the prop. In your experience, could a soft landing into the mud cause a seal to give way in a case like this?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Evinrude V4 leaking oil around prop

it would have to be a pretty good fall. props hit all kind of things in the water, and the seal does not give.

 

[peterskeeter]

Re: Evinrude V4 leaking oil around prop

Well, oddly enough, the prop seal was indeed the culprit. I guess maybe the age of it (being 20 years old) is what lead it to leaking easily. Changed the prop seal and O-ring on the carrier and no leaks so far. Thanks for the help and optimism!