115HP 4-stroke saltwater - engine oil leaks from front of engine when tilted up

[Jimmy Turks]

I have a pair of 2002 Merc 115HP 4-stroke saltwater engines on my worldcat. When I tilt the right side motor up to get it out of the water, engine oil leaks from the front of the engine, apparently down pretty low, near the swivel pin.
I'm hoping this is a missing plug or hose or something simple!
The amount of oil that leaks out is not small... its a steady stream.

 

[racerone]

Checked the dip stick ?-----Looked for holes in the block ?-----Are both motors reaching the same peak RPM ?

 

[harringtondav]

+1^^ Are you sure it's motor oil? My neighbor's 200 Merc Verado did the same thing when up in trailer tilt. Turned out to be a trim/tilt system oil leak.

 

[Jimmy Turks]

This issue has nothing to do with how the engine runs. There are no apparent holes in the block. Yes, it is 100% motor oil.

 

[racerone]

Most shops will be able to find the leak !!!

 

[harringtondav]

This issue has nothing to do with how the engine runs. There are no apparent holes in the block. Yes, it is 100% motor oil.

It sounds like a sump leak. Leaking only in the up position is a good clue for the location. Go to Boatinfo and study your motor's manual to learn the leak points. I'm guessing a bad cover gasket somewhere. Also the Mercury online parts catalogue will give you good visibility.

http://www.boatinfo.no/
https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/parts-and-accessories/parts-catalog