weep hole???

[tdoe]

i just got a 1969 rude 25hp and thanks to everyone on this forum it now runs like a top after sitting for 25 years. i just picked up a quart of lower unit oil and drained the old and noticed 2 things- 1, the old oil was gray and foamy, i assume from water contamination? 2, i noticed oil coming out of what appears to be a weep hole thats located about 3 inches above the prop on the front? is that correct? it looks to me that the oil i see coming out of the hole is dark in color as in premix exhaust oil? does this mean i need a new prop oil seal and o ring? and is it normal for that weep hole(if it is one) to be leaky? if not, whats the solution?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: weep hole???

Normal for partly burnt oil from the fuel to weep from the drain holes . Make sure they are clear so that the water drains from the leg.

You biggest concern should be the appearance of the oil you drained from the gear case.
It should stay "clear and bright" if there is no water ingress.

It is possible that the sealing washers on the drain and level plugs have been reused and water is entering there. It is possible that the selector pivot pin, near the drain plug, has been disturbed and water is entering there or that any of the seals is damaged.

Pressure/vacuum test to identify the source or reseal the whole lot anyway.

 

[tdoe]

Re: weep hole???

thanks, i'll check it all tomorrow but i'm pretty sure i didn't see any washers on the drain or sight plugs, just screws. boy, that would be too easy. my luck isn't that good!

 

[Vic.S]

Re: weep hole???

The washers sometimes stay in the hole , sometimes come out with the screws.

Some engines have O rings instead of washers but there is a groove on the under side of the screw head to locate them if they are fitted ( some even have one of each !)

 

[mattinglyt]

Re: weep hole???

Glad I'm not the only one with the "weep hole" question. Thanks for answering it before I was able to ask it.