Dark fluid leaking out hub and down skeg of 50 hp Johnson 2-stroke

[skoboten2day]

Spent a lot of money getting this 1998 50 hp motor running again about a year ago. Spent 6+ years on a farm untouched after my dad gave it to my brother. I rescued it and needed a project. New water pump/impeller, rebuilt cabs, new spark plugs, new wiring, took oil injection off so it runs on pre-mix 50:1. Don't think the dealer serviced the lower unit though. Don't think I asked and there's nothing on the description of work either. The motor probably has less than 200 hours total on it since it was purchased in 1998. Have taken the boat out on 2 different fishing trips since the work was done. Runs pretty good. I run it every 2 weeks with ear muffs in the driveway versus winterizing it too. Last ran about 2 - 3 weeks ago. Just noticed dark fluid running down the skeg. Is a seal loose you think? Hard to say how much leaked out. Don't feel like taking it back to the dealer. How bad do you think it is and is it something I can fix easily myself? Thanks!

 

[racerone]

Looks normal to me !-----Considering how it has been run on a hose.

 

[Crosbyman]

carbon build up in the exhaust ….. from the powerheard exhaust all the way down to the prop exhaust probably

sure does not look like gearcase oil … should stop after a few good runs

as fresh fuel fills the cylinders a % flows out with the exhaust port and washes down the crud in the exhaust path to the propeller hub

Don't fix it if it works !

 

[Vic.S]

As above almost certainly carbon and unburnt 2 stroke oil.

BUT

If you don't know if/when the gear-case oil was last changed it might be a good idea to change it ,
If all is well and seals in good condition the oil should still be be "clear and bright".

Any signs of milkiness indicate bad seals.

 

[cprodave]

I had a 2001 Johnson OceanPro 90 that made the same blackish brown ooze. After much worrying I learned that is normal for these outboards. Just put a plastic oil change pan under it when storing.

 

[oldboat1]

Scoop some up on your finger and smell it. If it smells like gas it's probably ... gas. LU oil has a nasty sulphur smell.