oily leak at spark plug

H

Home Cookin'

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May 26, 2009
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I have a mid-80's Johnson 70, and noticed this weekend a black oily trail dripping down from the middle spark plug. I gave it a turn with the wrench and got just a little tighter; I didn't want to over tighten. Did not get to run it again.

once during the weekend, it seemed to surge, as if running out of gas, or a cylinder was kicking on/off.

Not a good sign--how bad? Any easy fix for a known problem? This boat is down on the food chain.

Thanks
 
F

foodfisher

Captain
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Feb 18, 2009
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3,756
Re: oily leak at spark plug

Known problem? Did the spark plug tweek stop the streaking? Seem to surge? Did it?
 
H

Home Cookin'

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Re: oily leak at spark plug

no, I noticed the oil after I had it up on the trailer and couldn't run it again; it may be a few weeks before I get back to it.
 
B

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
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Re: oily leak at spark plug

If it continues to leak, you may want to try a new plug with a fresh gasket. Seems you can't just buy the plug gaskets only like you could yrs ago.
 
sutor623

sutor623

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Re: oily leak at spark plug

Man I didnt even know you asked questions on here, just thought you always had the answers. Hahaha.
 
B

boobie

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Re: oily leak at spark plug

Don't need to as I'm retired and fix all my junk by myself. LOL.
 
E

eclark53520

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Sep 2, 2010
Messages
174
Re: oily leak at spark plug

My 77 johnson 70hp does this from the top and middle plug holes as well...

Torqued to spec new spark plugs do this to me...runs fine though so i'm not sure it's even a problem....
 
B

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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20,826
Re: oily leak at spark plug

IMHO, I don't think they make plug gaskets like the used to. Seems there was a lot more to compress when you torqued them.
 
H

Home Cookin'

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Joined
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Messages
9,715
Re: oily leak at spark plug

thanks, glad to hear it's common and not serious. I feared loss of compression; guess it's not enoug to matter if there is any.

Yes there's a lot of stuff I know and a whole lot more I don't. I try to always remember the difference.
 
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