seeing a little oil on bottom of water tube

[fat boy]

Was putting bottom and top together after replacing the impeller and while putting the shaft in place and the shift rod and the water tube into the grommet I noticed a little oil dripping down from the water tube. Should I be concerned? BTW, this is a 3 hp Johnson, 1993 which I recently purchased.

Thanks

 

[Vic.S]

Re: seeing a little oil on bottom of water tube

If this is clean gear oil and the inside of the pump was oily then it could indicate that the drive shaft seals below the pump are defective.

If its black and gungy and running down the outside of the water tube then its probably just partly burnt oil from the fuel

Find the item about oil leaking around the lower unit in the Engine FAQs. First item on the repair and maintenance index above