major gas spill!

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

I noticed that the bolts on the skeg might be loose as I saw a small bit of oil at the seam where the two pieces meet. The motor was on the transom so I just lifted the prop as high as I could and standing behind the boat ( like shoeing a horse ) on the trailer I began to tighten the bolts. My son siad he smelled gas... As i lowered the motor, gas came pourin out from under the cowl. I guess it leaked out while the engine was tipped up... Is that normal? When the boat is in the water, I have tipped it all the way up and it didn't happen before... what's up? Any thoughts?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: major gas spill!

It just leaked out the carbs when ya tilted it...like tilting a mower to clean the blade by tipping the mower on its side...

Your fine...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: major gas spill!

keep close check on that gear lube for water, you may have to put a new spagetti seal in it.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: major gas spill!

Yup. Hate it when that happens.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: major gas spill!

I just changed it! I was getting a small leak at the shaft because I cut the first one too short (stupid tax). Now the shaft is great but its leaking on the side. There are no washers called for and I've tightened the bolts as tight as they will go (can these be overtightened?). Thanks for the info on the carb leak... the choke was wide open when I tilted... more (stupid tax)

 

[wbeaton]

Re: major gas spill!

Did you use silicone in conjunction with the spaghetti seal? Did you clean out the slot where the seal sits before you installed the new one? It should be clean and free from old oil or gasket material. So should the top mating surface. Also, I try to slow torque each screw in a pattern so that everything is seated the same. Much like you would with the cylinder head.

 

[baconbiscut]

Re: major gas spill!

My 1955 Johnson does the same thing. its really bad when I take the motor off the boat and carry it to the greenhouse and it gets all over your pants.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: major gas spill!

I did not use Silicone. Are you talking about liquid gasket like Permatex? Or do you mean 100% silicone? If I take this off AGAIN... I want it PERFECT! Please help me BEFORE I LUBE AGAIN!!!

 

[wbeaton]

Re: major gas spill!

I use the blue Permatex. The actual name is Permatex Ultra Blue Gasket Maker No. 77BR. You can pick it up anywhere you buy your automotive supplies. Napa, Walmart, etc.

You really need the gasket sealer there. Make sure you clean the channel and mating surfaces well. They must be oil free. You should do the screws too, but I find that just makes a mess and its nearly impossible to get the threads clean so I don't do it.

Don't over do it. You only need a thin film. You will also need to clean the oil off the spaghetti seal.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: major gas spill!

What product do you recomment for removing the oil from these parts and the seal?

Thanks, Tom

PS watch for oil prices to rise! I'm going through it at an alarming rate... could cause global shortages. Not to mention the sale of pain relievers for the headache.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: major gas spill!

What do you use to remove the oil?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: major gas spill!

When you tilt one of the old pressurized fuel system motors, make sure the gas cap is loosened up enough to release the pressure. Otherwise you'll get the issue you described. You may get a little bit of gas any time you tilt a motor up all the way, but releasing the tank pressure prevents any more than just what's in the carb from cycling through...
- Scott