Leaking oil around prop

[woppert]

I have a late model Johnson 15 horse. As I brought my motor out of storage I noticed a small amount of oil leaking out of the space between the prop and the lower unit housing. Any ideas? I didn't drop the lower unit oil last fall and was planning to do it this spring. Oil is black with no grit or anything in it. Thanks for the help.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Leaking oil around prop

Could just be unburnt gas/oil mix which is normal. Does it smell like gas?

 

[F_R]

Re: Leaking oil around prop

That is the exhaust pipe. You put oil in the gas. Every last drop of that oil goes through the engine, with the gas. Some of it burns (smoke) and the rest goes out the exhaust. As it goes through the exhaust system, it picks up particles of carbon, making it black. Then it drips out and gives the owner something to worry about.

Check your gearcase oil (you should anyway), and if it is ok, relax.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Leaking oil around prop

Agree, most likely exhaust sludge.

 

[Mas]

Re: Leaking oil around prop

Most likely (99%) it is 2-stroke oil as mentioned...just monitor your LU lube oil on a regular basis & you'll be fine!

MAS