I started my 1969 evinrude 18hp and noticed it leaking from a small plate on the side of the lower unit. The fluid is thin like gas but it's black. Anyone have this motor and seen this happen? I'm having trouble uploading a picture of it.
Just unburnt gas/oil mix in the exhaust housing. That is normal. There is supposed to be a gasket under the cover to keep it from bleeding out there, but it doesn't hurt anything. If the cover is sealed it will just run further down the leg and exit through small drain holes in the lower unit.
Exhaust drippings shouldn't be coming out of the Bypass Cover. That passage should be from the Water Inlet on the front of the exhaust snout, going to the water pump, with no interaction with the exhaust
Simple-----There is a big bolt missing at the back of the exhaust housing..--Used to hold the gearcase on.---Compare the 1963 model 10 hp pictures to the 18 HP pictures.-----Speak to the seller !!!!-----Some of us " old hands " can identify these motors in half a second.
Yep, I also knew in half a second, it is a 10hp. and wrong color for '69.
Anyhoo, the leakage is unburned gas & oil as previously stated, and is harmless except for the mess. It normally goes out underwater with the rest of the exhaust. It is black because it has picked up carbon from inside the exhaust housing (also normal).
