Oil dripping from front water outlet at the top of lower unit.

[Chrism0923]

So I know this question is asked a lot but I have a 1997 90 HP2 Stroke Mercury Motor. I just replaced water pump and ran the motor in a barrel. I noticed a few days later this oil dripped down on the tool box under the motor. The hole it’s draining out of was plugged up until I cleaned it out which is why I wasn’t seeing it before I’m guessing. I drained and replaced foot oil. It didn’t have any water in it so I don’t think it was that. Just wanted to ease my mind that it’s more than likely unburnt gas/oil and yes I know a nut wasn’t in there. I took it off before taking the pics. View attachment IMG_1536.jpeg

 

[jimmbo]

What does the Residue smell like, Gas-Oil or Gear Oil? Gear Oil stinks to High Heaven, and you will need to Bleach your hands to get rid of the Stench

 

[Chrism0923]

What does the Residue smell like, Gas-Oil or Gear Oil? Gear Oil stinks to High Heaven, and you will need to Bleach your hands to get rid of the Stench

Pretty sure it wasn’t gear oil. I check the fluid and it didn’t have any water in the oil and it wasn’t over full or low. It doesn’t stink either. I’m thinking it’s just unburnt mixture from running it on a barrel. I’ve heard it’s common

 

[Chrism0923]

What does the Residue smell like, Gas-Oil or Gear Oil? Gear Oil stinks to High Heaven, and you will need to Bleach your hands to get rid of the Stench

Pretty sure it wasn’t gear oil. I check the fluid and it didn’t have any water in the oil and it wasn’t over full or low. It doesn’t stink either. I’m thinking it’s just unburnt mixture

 

[Chrism0923]

I posted another picture of the oil. It’s black and I’ve never seen gear oil look like that

 

[QBhoy]

Is it not just 2 stroke oil ? Can’t quite make out what the picture is off, given the description around the cowl as the location…but looks to me like that’s the gear box oil plug..anything down there is either gear oil or unburnt 2 stroke oil out exhaust exits. Gear oil stinks and burns the eyes to tears. 2 stroke..not at all.