Oil in upper case

[scotty dog]

I'v noticed oil in the base of the power head.It started dripping if in stow/tilt position This is new. I also noticed a white beeswax or paste on the vent plate and the seam of the mid section after being on the water. To my understanding it is oil mixed with water. Not sure where the oil is from. Hoping from sloppy maintenance in the shop. I went in for carb tune-up but that is another story. Also weak water stream (fyi it was a crack on the top of the hose) and it took 3 times in for someone to figure it out as I persisted something was wrong. Now pisses like a race horse. My question is this. .....Can I pour warm soapy (Dawn) slowly into the base of the upper engine case???? I am hoping that will clean it out and I can see if it gathers again. I did mop as much up as possible by working paper towels around the base of the inside. It is not a ton but a real nuisance and want to see if I do have a leak. . I just do not want to harm anything and have no clue the mechanics of or where the water will go as it goes down the lower case. FYI I also changed my oil and gear lube (that is the extent of my mechanical abilities) and noticed no water in either. Thanks for all your help

 

[ondarvr]

What motor do you have?

 

[scotty dog]

mercury 60hp 4 stroke. I cleaned the outside spotless to track any oil. I just noticed that it is leaking (ever so slightly) from the bottom of the mid case. I think it is oil. Could it be something else? Again I have had a thermostat, impeller and the waterline in the mid case worked.