1986 mercury outboard leak

[pete32]

My 86 has some of oil coming out were the prop is. I took off the prop and noticed a small amout of oil seeping from the back area. Is this coming from the gear oil or something different. What can I do to fix it? Is it still O.K. to run it a couple of more times or does this need attention now?I drained the gear oil to see if any water in the oil and there was not.
Thanks for your help.
Pete

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 1986 mercury outboard leak

If it smells like regular old gas/oil mix, it's just burnt residual fuel/oil coming from the engine exhaust. Perfectly normal.

If it's a real stinky, sulfur-like odor, it more likely to be gear oil.

Since you didn't find any water in the gear oil, I don't expect you're having a problem.

HTH..........ed

 

[pete32]

Re: 1986 mercury outboard leak

Thanks,
It was black and did smell like gas and oil.

I drained the gear oil and will repalce it. I also cleaned the area the best I could. After replacing the oil I will see if any oil comes out. That should let me know if I have any leaks.
Thanks again.