89 40 hp vro leaks oil after storage

[numbersguy]

Thanks to all of you who helped me through the VRO oil alarm and temp alarm issues VRO is working and I replaced the thermostat and temp sensor and found a short in the temp circuit too. I got it all working and it actually ran decent over the weekend. But now I have a new problem.

After running the motor around the lake Sunday evening I raised the engine up out of the water using my power tilt. It sat in that position over night. Monday morning I lowered the motor into the water and started it up but then it began raining so I shut it off after it had warmed up and left the motor in the down position. After a couple hours the rain slowed so I went out to raise the motor and cover the boat. When I raised the motor I noticed oil/fuel dripping off the bottom of the lower unit into the water. I'm not sure where it was coming from. It stopped after a couple of seconds, but is this normal? If not what could it be? It created a film on the water about 4-5 ft in diameter.

I tested the compression on Saturday and had 100 and 95 psi in the 2 cylinders. Not as high as I had hoped but it is 22 years old and I'm the 3rd owner.

Thanks for your advice on this.
Numbersguy

 

[d.boat]

Re: 89 40 hp vro leaks oil after storage

Chances are, it's normal. 2 stroke engines as you probably know are somewhat inefficient and environmentally non-friendly. This is because unburnt fuel (including oil) normally escape with the exhaust. Most of the exhaust routes through the prop area. Therefore, oily residue can collect there and drip out when the engine is vertical. Without seeing exactly what you're talking about, all of my 2 strokes drip gray/black oily crap when they're vertical.

You could take a picture and post it if you'd like.

The only other possible source of oil is the lower unit gear box but that - at least in my experience - is not black, and generally is more of a milky look to it and has that distinctive "gear oil" smell. It never hurts to check your l/u lube. If you have the boat out of the water or where you could momentarily put it vertical and remove the l/u drain plug to look at a few drops of l/u oil - if it looks clean, it's not leaking (because it would get milky due to water intrusion).

Does that make any sense in regards to what you're seeing?

 

[numbersguy]

Re: 89 40 hp vro leaks oil after storage

Thanks,

That makes sense to me.

I have not seen any milky oil in the water. I did know that meant lower unit lubricant.

My biggest concer was the lake and the amount of oil.

This is only the second time I've seen excess oil/feul on the water. The first time I flooded the engine. so it sort of made sense to me.

Thanks again

Numbersguy