Oil leaking from block

[Guest]

Hi,i need your help please. I have oil leaking from some lower part of the engine down the shift linkage and onto the floor. I know its engine oil because i replaced it and its leaking clear oil i put in. What can it be? compression is strong on both cyl. its a 2006 mercury 15hp 4 stroke.

 

[Dekker500]

First a simple possibility: was the engine carried/leaned/stored on its side for any period of time? 4-strokes are sensitive to which side is "down". If so, find the manual for that year for instructions on laying the motor down for future reference, but there is no real problem - just clean up the mess, check the level, and carry on.

Could it possibly be coming from the lower unit? Doesn't sound like it is, but if it is, replace the seals/gaskets around the fill & vent screws.

Does the engine run? Any other symptoms?

A problem with the piston rings could lead to that problem, but you would have other issues (does your engine oil in the oil tank smell like gasoline?)

 

[Shawnmm]

It could be from the engine base gasket. I have replaced several for that reason. If the engine was layed down wrong, when you start it, it will smoke like a sob. If not that then its probably the gasket. If you take off the chaps, under the power head there are 6 bolts. Make sure they are snug. Changing the gasket is not too hard it just takes a little patients. you just have to get things at the right angle comming apart and going back together.