lower unit dripped oil?

[guyren]

I have had my 90 hp evinrude (vintage '87) stored indoors since late october. Today I noticed the lower gear case leaked a little oil onto the floor (1/2 to 1 oz or so) Should I be concerned about this?

I keep the garage temp around 10 celcius (North Eastern Ontarion climate) when I am not in the garage and 15 - 18 when I am in the garage. The motor has been in the tilted down position since storage.

Please don't give me any bad news.............

Concerned

Guy

 

[DJ]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

It is most likely exhaust residue. Is it black and does it smell like gas?

 

[guyren]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

It's brown when wiped with a clean white rag and doesn't smell like gas. No strong gear oil scent either so that's good eh?

 

[DJ]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

It's brown when wiped with a clean white rag and doesn't smell like gas. No strong gear oil scent either so that's good eh?

Could be.

Lower unit seals rarely leak except the fill/drain plug seals which few people ever replace. They should be replaced every time they are opened up.

 

[guyren]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

I bought new plastic washers from the local dealer, upper and lower, they look the same. I haven't gotten around to drain and refill the oil in the lower unit. There's no real rush at this time.

The oil drip pattern is at the back of the fin just below the gear case housing, not sure of the technical name, skeg? No oil from the oil drain or fill holes, it's all clean there.

 

[DJ]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

I bought new plastic washers from the local dealer, upper and lower, they look the same. I haven't gotten around to drain and refill the oil in the lower unit. There's no real rush at this time.

The oil drip pattern is at the back of the fin just below the gear case housing, not sure of the technical name, skeg? No oil from the oil drain or fill holes, it's all clean there.

If you can, I would service the lower unit now. That will tell you if you have a leak. The oil will be milky or water would have settled to the bottom.

If there is water in there, it can rust up your bearings and gears-not good.

 

[guyren]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

Good point. Guess what I am doing tomorrow? I am afraid to ask "what if there's water in the oil?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

If there is signs of water just refill it for now to protect the gears and bearings.A pressure test will be needed to find the problem.
It is very possible its 2 stroke oil.Gear oil will have that strong smell.
Very common to drip a little 2 stroke oil when it sets for the winter.
Mine has been dripping since i fogged it heavy and winterized it.

 

[BigNiner19]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

Could be.

Lower unit seals rarely leak except the fill/drain plug seals which few people ever replace. They should be replaced every time they are opened up.

DJ are you talking about the fill/drain and vent screws on the lower unit? I'm not even sure mine have seals. It looks to me that the screw seals it off. Could be tough for me to tell when I have them out with all the gear lube leaking all over the place though.

Cory

 

[HighTrim]

Re: lower unit dripped oil?

Big Niner...

That is exactly what he is talking about, and you should listen to his advice, changing those every time you change the oil in the lu. That is the number 1 spot for water intrusion.