Grease coming out of vent holes

[Ron_S]

Motor is a 1980 Johnson 9.9 Sailmaster Long shaft.
Purchased this motor several months ago. Changed water pump. Changed lower unit lube. Motor runs fine, but there is heavy brown grease coming out or the small holes just above the cavitation plate. It seems to work its way out and then stays on the cavitation plate Motor is on a sailboat so it is not run much. Previous owner used a lot of automotive type brown grease on this motor. Is this seepage the result of over servicing, or is there a bad seal?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Grease coming out of vent holes

It is most likely the unburned oil left after running and quite normal.

 

[Ron_S]

Re: Grease coming out of vent holes

It is most likely the unburned oil left after running and quite normal.

No, I am familiar with that. This is raw grease, and has pooled on the caviatiaon plate, where it remains in a clump. It is not lower unit lube either.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Grease coming out of vent holes

I'm with zeke. Your engine is 26 yrs old. That unburned oil in the fuel will congeal and look like grease after all these years.