outboard problem

[Fish On]

i have 91 a nissan 8 hp and i had went on a fishing trip and came back and left the the motor laying on its side in my boat i go to take it out to put it upright on the wall and what i thnik to be gear oil came out of the prop could this be a dried up seal from being sideways or something else any imput would be appreciated

[ChuckN]

Man, maybe it's that time of year they leak. I noticed the same deal just last night. I have an old Evinrude 9.5 I just hauled home and it layed on it's side for a couple days. When I tilted it upright it leaked lower unit oil somewhere above/around the prop. If I find water in the lower unit oil after I use the motor in the lake, I will be concerned. If you don't have water in the oil (after using it again), I wouldn't worry about it.

[Surface Tension]

If the oil is clean looking then it's most likely a seal. Drain the oil in the lower unit. If the oil is milky or if any water comes out then you'll have to change the seals. If theres no indication of water then refill. If there is water and you don't plan on replacing the seals soon refill anyway to keep the parts protected from moisture.
If the oil on the ground was dark or black in appearance then its not a problem and just some exhaust residue.