oil dripping on back of motor

[xp150]

Well I noticed oil had run down the bottom of the motor. I took cover off motor and it looks like it has leaked out the bottom of a flat cover that is between the cylinders. (sorry I don't know what this cover is called)The motor is a 1989 v6 XP150 Evenrude. The oil looks old. I did not see this problem until I left the motor down because of cold weather. I took it to the river today and it ran fine. Do you think this is a problem or is this normal??

 

[ob]

Re: oil dripping on back of motor

Sounds like exhaust plate cover.Not a worry unless leak is big enough to pass exhaust vapors under cowl while running and effect performance by smothering intake ports.Probably not a bad idea to repair soon.

 

[DB.Beachum]

Re: oil dripping on back of motor

flat cover between the cylinders would be exhaust cover,what you see is exhaust residue(used oil gas mix)new gaskets will fix it,it makes a mess when they leak,it gets worst the longer you run it

 

[xp150]

Re: oil dripping on back of motor

Thanks for the replies. Is this gasket hard to replace? Anything I should watch out for??

 

[ob]

Re: oil dripping on back of motor

Not too difficult a job.Just make sure when scraping off old gasket material not to gouge into aluminum block.Also block port with rags as to not let old gasket material get into places you don't want it.Shop vac makes for good cleanup.I like to dress surface after gasket removal lightly with a medium hone and wipe clean.If you choose to use sealant, use it sparingly with just a light film.some guys don't use any and some others just use it on the cover side.Use crossover pattern when tightening fasteners.