Lower unit Question

[ljc1957]

I have a 1966 Seaking/Chrysler 50hp outboard. There are two holes on the left side of the foot on the lowwer unit. Whenever I take my boat out of the water, the holes drain water. Sometimes, there is oil mixed with the disharge water and it leaves a horrible oil sheen on the boat ramp. I don't have water contamination in my lower unit, so I don't think that's where it's coming from. I know these drain holes have something to do with the cooling system but maybe someone could explain the purpose of these drain holes. Is that oil discharge normal? I don't know if this matters, but I have been running my oil ratio higher that the specs reccomend. Thanks in advance

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Lower unit Question

Not too familiar with that lower, BUT, it should be similar to the later Chrysler. If the oil draining smells a bit like gasoline or is a dark grey to black, it is unburned oil and gas drained from the engine. Those early engines did not recycle unburned oil and puddled gas, but just pumped the excess into the leg and then into the lake. That system is called the puddle valve and helps the engine idle smoother. A couple of guys on this forum disconnect the hose and route it into a small container---TREE HUGGERS-- LOL

The holes more than likely are weep holes to drain a couple of blind cavities in the leg to help prevent corrosion damage.