Lower end oil leaking from water drain hole on outboard?

Question

!977 Johnson 115 hp Johnson. Oil is coming out of the drain hole above the water intake holes. It appears to be lower end oil by the color. It is not fuel oil mix.

Answer 1

It may not be gear oil at all, I have seen it before. Some engines that run too rich or are trolled too much will get a build up of thick black oily carbon that can come out there and through the hub of your prop. Before you take anything apart pull out your TOP gearcase drain screw and use a small tie wrap or wire as a dipstick and try to get a sample of what your gear oil looks like. If it's not the same color as your leak or it's full you may be barking up the wrong tree. Also if gear oil is leaking out, you may have water in your gearcase.

Answer 2

If, you suspect it lower unit lube. You may need to drop the lower unit and inspect. First we will hope nothing is cracked, always store the engine down in winter if outside so water not freeze behind the prop.
There is the Drive shaft that comes down from the engine into the lower gear case. Here you will also find your water pump/impeller. Remove the impeller housing and there a plate under the impeller, rubber star. Remove the plate and there is a bearing housing and above the bearing housing and below the impeller plate is the Drive Shaft oil retainer, this "May" be your problem.

Answer 3

Sounds like a gasket failure between the lower end and upper end, or god forbid, a cracked housing.

Inspect the skagg to see if you hit something, Raise up the unit and check. Do not start the engine. If your lower unit is cracked you need to have the housing replaced as well as check all the components. IE; shaft, bearings, seals. Before you run it again. I hope you have insurance 8)

Answer 4

if you care to do this yourself, it's not that tough. drain the oil, remove the lower unit, and pressure it with air to 12psi. this will allow you to spot the leak and fix it with the least effort and expense.

Answer 5

Drain it all, check for leaks & try again!