harmful leak or no big deal?

[ssaamm]

I have a '96 40hp oil ingected merc. Recently it has started leaking some black oil or grease from where the prop meets the lower unit. It then runs down the scag and hits the floor. It has not amounted to much, but it concerns me. The motor seems to run fine. I did hit a rock in Lake Vermilion a couple of weeks ago. Does anyone know what or where this is coming from? Should I take it in for a look? or Should I just shut up and fish and quit being so paranoid? Any advice would be great. Thanks! Go Vikes!!

[Guest]

Most likely the seal, keep a close eye on the case oil leval and if your getting water in the case.

I would recomend getting it replaced this fall when you winterize the motor, if it can wait that long? Keep an eye on it like I said.

[Guest]

I had one do the same thing some years ago. In my case I had picked up someone's discarded monofilament line and it wrapped tight inside the prop and cut the seal. If you haven't done so, remove the prop and take a look. It doesn't take lots of mono to ruin a seal.

[Valv]

Check your lube in lower unit. If it's milky, just keep changing it every month less, it will keep you going until season ends then you can take it to a shop to check.

I am running a 70hp Evinrude with a bad seal for over 1 year, I keep changing oil (I use WalMart 80/90w, it's cheap), and didn't have any problem yet, I know I have to fix it, but as might as well use untill it it's really time.

[Surface Tension]

It could be your lower unit. Any fluid from the lower unit will be clean or milky from water. You said its black. Dark green or dark blue maybe? It could black cuz theres carbon or crud in it. Take the cover off the powerhead. Look in under the carbs and around base of the powerehead. Do you see any oil or gressy oil there that is dripping down. Also when you tip your motor up fuel will run out the carbs and could be picking up soot along the way then drip down.