1958 18hp leaking oil, from what?

[Hogie22]

I was done using my '58 for a couple months so I laid it down in the shed with the carb facing upwards. Today when I went to pick it up and the side which was on the bottom (spark plugs and plug wires) was covered with oil.

The oil was clean and had the consistency of gear oil. Where is it coming from and what do I need to check prior to starting it?

I pulled the plugs and they were wet.

What does this mean? The motor was tuned up in the spring and ran perfect whenever I used it.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1958 18hp leaking oil, from what?

Did it smell like gear oil?

 

[Hogie22]

Re: 1958 18hp leaking oil, from what?

Yes, it smelled and looked like gear oil.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1958 18hp leaking oil, from what?

If it was at an angle to which gear oil could have run out of the top gearcase seal or shift rod bushing you may have leak, pull the gearcase and inspect- or someone is playing a joke on you

 

[Hogie22]

Re: 1958 18hp leaking oil, from what?

So I topped off the gearcase and I have had it set upright overnight and won't start.
All summer it started on the first pull.......but now ....nothing. It doesn't even sounds like it wants to.

I suppose I'll have to start from scratch and check spark. I can't imagine some oil getting under the flywheel and gumming everything up.

Any suggestions?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1958 18hp leaking oil, from what?

try spraying some fuel/oil mix into the carb and try to start it before you take anything apart