lower unit leaking

[BENJA]

I was walking around the back of the boat and I see that the lower unit is leaking from a small hole just above where the top plug would be but on the opposite side. I don't think it would be a vent hole or would it? I dont want to take it back on the water untill I know why is leaking. Any suggestions? it is a 76 115 hp I6<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Ben

 

[eurolarva]

Re: lower unit leaking

This is probably an exhaust hole. It is typical for two stroke outboards to have oil and carbon dripping out of these holes. It is unburned fuel and oil. To be certian you can remove the drain plug and get a small sample of the oil. Allow a drop or two to come out. If the liquid is dark amber in color you are okay. If it is milky white or water comes out then you have a breach in your lower unit and you will need to get it resealed.

 

[BENJA]

Re: lower unit leaking

The color of the oil that is leaking is that dark amber color you are talking about. can water get back in those holes? or is it safe to operate? Thanks for your reply<br /><br />Ben

 

[eurolarva]

Re: lower unit leaking

water is suppose to get in those little holes. On the very bottom of your motor usually on the skeg there should be a dime size screw with a flat head screw driver slot. Loosen and remove this screw for a second and let a couple of drops of oil come out. If water comes out or oil that is milky white you have problems. If it is amber in color or dark you are alright.. This oil should have been drained and refilled last summer. It is suppose to be replaced yearly. Make sure you do not remove the small screw towards the front of the lower unit. It is about a quarter inch in diameter and quite a bit longer. This is for the shift linkage. The drain screw is about 1/2 inch long

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: lower unit leaking

Hi Benja,<br /> The small hole you're noting is a drain hole, made during manufacturing, to allow the lower unit cavities outside of the gear housing, oil retaining, etc. areas, to drain water so that it won't freeze or cause corrosion. When you look at a profile of the lower unit, only about half of that surface area is holding oil - the rest is empty space that fills up with water during use...<br />- Scott

 

[BENJA]

Re: lower unit leaking

I have checked the oil and its dark amber in color not milky. but the same oil was leaking out of those holes that I described, what could cause it to leak through there? thanks for the help.<br /><br />Ben

 

[eurolarva]

Re: lower unit leaking

It cant be lower unit oil. The lower unit is sealed. Next time you see it smell it. Nothing stinks like lower unit oil. If it smells like gas and oil it is just unburned oil and gas coming from your exhaust.