I noticed that oil was leaking from center of the prop. The motor ran flawlessly all weekend. Just noticed yesterday after walking behind trailer. Any ideas? I’m guessing this is some type of seal issue. I’m trying to decided if this is something I can fix or something I need to take it in for. Moter: 99’ Yamaha OCX 250
I have found that sometimes engines slobber some 2 stroke oil and it will come out the prop and at first glance appear to be a gear case leak. I had this happen on my Optimax which runs with no smoke at all. Go ahead and wipe some off and smell it. Gear oil will have a noticeable smell from the sulfur in it. If it is gear oil then the most likely culprit given the location is the prop shaft seal. I would have a professional do the seal since removing the carrier if necessary requires some special tools and can be a bit tricky. They will also pressure and vacuum check the gearcase to make sure it is indeed sealed correctly. Go ahead and have the shift shaft seal, water pump, and water pump base replaced as well while it is apart.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Had the same thing happen to me recently on a 03 90hp johnson,thought seal was gone.Further inspection with prop removed and area cleaned found residual 2stroke oil from exhaust as the culprit.I dont use the boat much and run it on the hose every couple weeks for 20 min or so at idle so it builds up and drips for a few minuetes when stopped.I checked my lower unit oil just to make sure and it was full and clear.Hope this helps.
03 1720 Key West
most likelt carbon buildup / unburt 2stroke fuel and oil mix.
check the gear oil just to make sure
I’m now at www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
Jason,
Is it on the Grady? If so that motor is a 225 hp and the year is a 2001 or 2002. That may not make much of a difference but it might. I doubt it’s carbon buildup because Chris had just serviced that motor a couple of hours before you bought it. It possibly could be a seal somewhere on the lower unit. Check the condition of the foot oil NOW. It could be unburnt 2 stroke oil but don’t run it again without checking the lower unit. They are not very cheap to replace or repair.
there ain’t no shame in passin’ the rod