Force 120 lower oil leak

[plato]

I have recently acquired a 1996 Force 120 and only had it out once. I now notice that I have black oil leaking from a hole on the lower leg. The hole is a factory hole located just above the prop on the starboard side. There does not appear to be any water in the oil as it is black, not a rusty brown colour. Is it likely I have a seal gone somewhere or could the previous owner overfilled the lower unit with oil?

 

[OBJ]

Re: Force 120 lower oil leak

Welcome to iboats plato.<br /><br />What you are seeing is unburned oil from the exhaust. Just about all outboards will do this and it's nothing to worry about. Just makes a little bit of a mess on the floor.

 

[martinsforce85]

Re: Force 120 lower oil leak

If your leg oil is black you need to change it right away. the oil should be clean like new engine oil. or in some cases blue. You must change your leg oil every 6 months if you run it frequently, or at least once a year. (ALWAYS INSTALL NEW GASKETS, THE OLD ONES ARE QUARANTEED TO LEAK AND ALLOW WATER INTO YOUR GEAR CASE. You should also check your impeller for wear. If the engine has been sitting the vanes most likely are brittle and will break apart causing no cooling of the engine and a overheat, The impeller should also be replaced at least once a year.<br /><br />Martin

 

[scotiany]

Re: Force 120 lower oil leak

OBJ is absolutely correct. My '70 Chrysler does the same thing from the same holes. Don't worry about it. BTW, I changed all my LU seals in'03 and it still does it.