Lower Unit oil leak 70hp 1987

[Steele329]

I'm leaking a small amount of gear oil from the top of my lower unit where the lower meets the mid section. Just noticed this today. Tried to take a pic but having problems uploading. Any ideas what may cause this? Any help appreciated

 

[Steele329]

[No message]

 

[Chinewalker]

Are you sure it's gear oil? Oil doesn't generally leak upwards. The oil inside the lower unit is all well below the seam. More than likely, it's unburnt fuel/oil mix leaking from the exhaust seal between the leg and gear case housing.

 

[Steele329]

I smelled it its definitely gear oil. It's only one side and very little. Not even running down the side. I posted a pic in the comment of this thread

 

[racerone]

The sensible / common approach is to pressure test the gearcase to look for leaks.----If the seals are original it would be wise to install a seal kit.----Much cheaper than gears , shafts and bearings.-----Seals do wear out over the years !