Strange lower unit seepage - 1978 Johson 70HP

[84Prostar]

Hi everyone,

I have a 1978 Johnson 70HP (we purchased it used a few years ago and I'm still getting to know it). I noticed this at the beginning of the season and now at the end of the season. There's some golden colored fluid (somewhat viscous, looks like gear oil but I'm not sure) seeping out of this small hole below the water intake.

Gearcase has some water in it, and followed by black colored fluid. One of the easy remedies to the water in the gearcase is that the lower drain plug does not appear to have a seal. That could be an easy fix. But this mystery fluid is confusing to me.

Any ideas what that hole is for and what the mystery fluid could be?

 

[Crosbyman]

gearcase drain hole for draining water mostly but if the oil is coming out the top of the shaft seal and drains back down again you will have oil leaking out

unburnt oil could also drain down I guess

is this a new worry or and old one …

if little water in the gearcase oil could be just your screw seals (new ones help)

opinions may differ

 

[oldboat1]

Might do the smell test. See if it smells like gas or sulphur. If the latter, will need a pressure test (or pressure and vacuum) to find and repair the leak.

 

[racerone]

Pressure test the gearcase to look / find any leaks.----If that gearcase has the original seals it needs a complete seal kit anyway.----It is due.-----Lots cheaper than shafts / gears / bearings .

 

[84Prostar]

Awesome thanks everyone!