15 HP Johnson Leaking Fluid

[gmilatz]

I'll preface this with a disclaimer, this is my first boat/motor combo and I have pretty limited mechanical ability but I'm hoping I can muster some help from here.............

My 1977 Johnson 15 HP is leaking some type of fluid from the propeller area. I have pictures if anyone would like to see them in an attempt to diagnose.

The leaking fluid smells like gas, but is thicker.

I bought the motor in November of 2007. I don't know how long it sat or when it was used last prior to that. The owner I bought it from said it had seen limited use last summer but he did fog the cylinders prior to me buying it. It sat in my garage until yesterday. It leaked nothing in the garage. It started fine and ran like a champ for about 1 1/2 hours yesterday in Lake Erie.

I'm guessing it is either lower unit lube or maybe unburned mix from the gas tank?

Please, please, please someone help and let the fix be cheap!

Thanks everyone!!

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 15 HP Johnson Leaking Fluid

Welcome to iboats!

From your description, it sounds like unburned fuel mixed with water dripping from the prop exhaust. This is a normal condition and mostly occurs after a long run at trolling speeds. To minimize the stuff, run motor at higher rpms before you get off the water, it helps blow out the midsection.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 15 HP Johnson Leaking Fluid

Welcome to iboats.

Very likely that it is simply carbon, an unburnt fuel and oil mix. This question is common on here. Read this over to ease your mind.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=207285

But by all means post a pic so we can verify. You could also check the level of your lower unit oil to see if it is low. I would want to change it anyways on a new outboard to me, along with new gaskets for the vent and drain screw. If the fluid is milky looking, there is water intrusion into the lower unit. Have you changed the lower unit oil before?

Sorry I type tooooo slow!

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: 15 HP Johnson Leaking Fluid

and that junk always leaks out of mine a lot more when I use fogging oil.

It is still a good idea to fog it for the winter, but just be prepared to clean up a little mess for a while afterwards.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 15 HP Johnson Leaking Fluid

Annually decarbing with seafoam is a must on your maintainance list, as well as mixing it with your fuel during every fill up. Although the CarbX present in the XD50 oil that I run helps tremendously.

I also like to clean out my exhaust with Deep Creep when I change my water pump.

 

[gmilatz]

Re: 15 HP Johnson Leaking Fluid

Sorry this is delayed, but thanks to everyone who provided input. You saved me time, aggravation and money!