Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

[mtnriverdog]

HI everyone. I am a very rookie boat owner, less than one month. I have a 1995 merc 125 4 cyl. I have been chasing some fluid leaks since i bought the boat. I found lots of answers for the leaky oil injection tank and I stopped that leak. It seems like every time I shut down the motor and tilt it up for trailering, I get fuel running out of the cowl all over the transom. I am guessing the first owner had the same problem since the boat cover is an oily mess. Any help would be great.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

Assuming it isn't a leaky fuel line, your carbs are either spilling fuel while running and collecting in the area below or simply leaking when tilted. When you tilt it up it spills out. Many motors have a drip pan under the carbs, with a vacuum line heading back to the crankcase. If yours does, check that line for cracks and make sure it is clear. It may (should) have a check valve.<br /><br />When was the last time your carbs were overhauled? There is a few shaft seals in there than can leak and cause the symptom you describe.<br /><br />You may also find that your needle and seat leak, or your float adjustment is high allowing too much fuel in the bowls, and subsequent spillage.<br /><br />Find the leak(s), solve the tilting oil mess. My previous motor did exactly the same thing. It was the shaft seals in the carb. I got tired of cleaning oil out of the splashwell.

 

[mtnriverdog]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

Thanks AMD. I bet the carbs have never been overhauled. I checked all the fuel system lines and saw no evidence of a leak. I took the air intake cover off and I could see that the lower carb seems pretty wet, Could that be the needle and seat? I don't think, I have a drip pan but I will look again. I have included by serial and model number if this helps anyone with the drip pan question. the boat is 11 years old and the previous owner said he never had any work done to it. How often do the carbs need overhauled?<br />SN OG281432 model 1125412RD<br /><br />PS I operate this thing at 5,000 ft above sea level and above.<br /><br />MDOG

 

[timmathis]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

Weather or not you find and fix your fuel leak right now. Sounds as if it is past due for a impeller you need to do it ASAP very important!!!!<br />It needs to be replaced every 1 or 2 years. <br />Good Luck, Tim

 

[mtnriverdog]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

Thanks Tim,<br /><br />I assume you mean the water pump impeller. Being a complete rookie, is this a job I could handle? It looks like you drop the lower unit off to change the impeller, is that right. Be honest, should this just go to the shop to get done and what would your guess on labor time be? Be gentle, at $85 per hour I hope it is simple.<br /><br />MDOG

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

Its not difficult to replace it yourself. Have a peek at this video for an example of what is typically involved:<br /><br />Video Chronicle of TMD Waterpump

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

Every Merc I have had or seen will dump fuel out when the engine is raised to the trailering position.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

About a 2 hr Job at the shop.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

Every Merc I have had or seen will dump fuel out when the engine is raised to the trailering position.<br />

That's the truth......

 

[mtnriverdog]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

Thanks for the help everyone. The fuel issue resolved. The impeller video was great and probably optomistic with me at the helm. I wonder if that old boy "Ron" is around somehwere. I am a little nervous about dropping that lower unit off but I guess I'm gonna have to learn sometime.<br /><br />MDOG

 

[highqdude]

Re: Fuel leaks when motor is tilted

I have a 94 merc 125 4 cyl. and also have a similar oil leak that I have been trying to figure out. In my case, I am thinking it is the oil lid. What was the problem with you oil tank? I will also have to check the carbs like you did.