Lower Unit

[8-Ball]

I too just got the rig from storage and saw an oil leak below the prop- about the size of silver dollar. It is black. My worry is that when I lowered the motor down, 1-2 oz. of water drained out. I changed lower unit oil last fall. Did not have any water in the oil at that time, was not discolored, or have any metal shavings in it-all potential warning signs for the lower unit. Should I be concerned? What is my best plan of action? 8-Ball.

[ChuckN]

1-2 oz of water drained out or oil? Confused by your observations...

Water is quite normal. There will always be water trapped inside the lower unit area. I always raise and lower my motor several times before storage to get all the trapped water to drain out. If it is dark it could be exhaust oils contaminating the water. Best way is to drain the lower unit lube to determine if water is present. It will be very obvious if this is the case.

If it is definitely oil on the floor, it may be a different story. It may be a prop seal gone bad. If that is the case water would likely be present in the gear lube.

[8-Ball]

ChuckN- When I went to pick up the boat, there was oil on the floor beneath the prop. When I lowered the motor further, that is when 1-2 oz. of water drained from I think the lower unit. As stated, I did drain and re-fill lower unit last Fall, and no water drained out, or was mixed in with, lower unit oil, at that time. How tough to get at the prop seal and replace, if necessary?

[Surface Tension]

I think your alright. The black oil is reside dripping down from the exhaust. Sometimes when you tilt the motor up it upsets the fuel level in the carb (especially if trailered in that position) and that gas drains into the engine and out the exhaust, thus washing the carbon(black stuff) with it. The water that dripped out is just water that got trapped somewhere between the engine and lower unit.