Oil in Bilge

[Nova_Scotian_996]

I have a a Mercruiser 4 cylinder 470 I/O 170hp from around 1987. It was working fine until I hit a rock with my new $300.00 prop.

Now I noticed a lot of oil in the bilge and checked the dipstick and there was none there....I poured a quart of oil in and it topped it up. The motor is hard to start now and idles very rough....smoking some when it starts up.

Is it possible I did more damage to the motor than I did my new prop?

Im kinda scared that there is going to be a big repair bill...

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Oil in Bilge

I have a a Mercruiser 4 cylinder 470 I/O 170hp from around 1987. It was working fine until I hit a rock with my new $300.00 prop.

Now I noticed a lot of oil in the bilge and checked the dipstick and there was none there....I poured a quart of oil in and it topped it up. The motor is hard to start now and idles very rough....smoking some when it starts up.

Is it possible I did more damage to the motor than I did my new prop?

Im kinda scared that there is going to be a big repair bill...

Is this engine oil or gear oil?.....
I'd pull the drive & see if the engine runs any better......

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Oil in Bilge

Nova, Does the oil pan and/or timing cover have a rust hole in it? it would not be unusual if you boat in salt water.

If the oil in the bilge is gear oil (much stinky-er than engine oil), then the seals around the outdrive drive shaft are suspect.