Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

[Expidia]

I've noticed this before. It's not my rig but it's the second time I've noticed it.

1999 25 hp 2 stroke . . . I noticed it today on the garage floor after using the boat for a few hours last week.

Puddle was the size of two quarters. It was very black and thin. I figured if it was the prop shaft seal it would more the color and consistency of lower unit gear oil.

When we brought it home last year I took the prop off I think I took off some fishing line that was spooled around the shaft. That's why I am concerned to see it dripping a little oil.

So is it normal for black oil to drip out of the exhaust after use?

Thx

 

[sschefer]

Re: Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

I've noticed this before. It's not my rig but it's the second time I've noticed it.

1999 25 hp 2 stroke . . . I noticed it today on the garage floor after using the boat for a few hours last week.

Puddle was the size of two quarters. It was very black and thin. I figured if it was the prop shaft seal it would more more the color and consistency of lower unit gear oil.

When we brought it home last year I took the prop off I think I took off some fishing line that was spooled around the shaft. That's why I am concerned to see it dripping a little oil.

So is it normal for black oil to drip out of the exhaust after use?

Thx

If could be bad seals, the only way to know for sure is to pressure test the lower unit.

 

[huntin dawg]

Re: Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

Sounds like exhaust oil to me.

HD

 

[verado7]

Re: Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

i second that - if it gets excessive it could be the carb needles leaking a bit - but trolling will do this to

 

[Expidia]

Re: Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

i second that - if it gets excessive it could be the carb needles leaking a bit - but trolling will do this to

Brand new OEM carb installed last season!

She doesn't use the o/b to troll as it has a bow mounted Minn Kota.
The last owner was not a big fisherman and he had the same setup with the electric anyway.

I'll have to have the mechanic pressure test it.

 

[DJ]

Re: Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

90% bet it's exhaust residue.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

90% bet it's exhaust residue.

I agree but the test is simple and reassuring.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

Update: went into the garage to check out that leak. I ran my thumb along the edge of the skeg and found brown lower unit lube. What I thought was black on the floor was actually brown.

So I took it to the Merc shop and he ordered the seals. I'll bring it back in when the seals come in. He said it will be $200 to 250 since he has to take the lower unit off and all apart.

Oh well, $250 is better than having the oil drain out while underway and blowing the lower unit. It's 11 years old so how long could the seal be expected to last. I'm sure the last owner ruined the seal with the fishing line I found wrapped around the shaft.

Thx for everyone's input

 

[cannonford57]

Re: Is black oil dripping out of o/b exhaust normal?

simple test (and cheap too), run your finger back through it and if it smells like gas, its ex. residue.