My Yammie is leaking oil!

[TunaJoe]

I was over by my boat today and noticed that there was oil leaking from the lower unit of my Yamaha F250 outboard (2007).
Any cause for concern?
It has been warm lately here in So Cal. Could it be expanding and just overflow?

Looks like it is coming out of the hole above the oil check screw. By the bolt.

 

[tommyr904]

I would be concerned,if oil can get out water can get in

 

[pelagic2530]

if you replaced it recently and didnt replace the gaskets on the fill screws, that could be your problem... when theyre seted, they get grooves in them that only fit in the position they were seated in. when you take the screw out to fill the unit, they dont seat right again. replacing those gaskets would be my first move.

 

[Burtona]

Always replace the gaskets when you remove the plugs. It's cheap insurance.

 

[MaxOut]

Always replace the gaskets when you remove the plugs. It's cheap insurance.

Yup, must do every time. Get a bunch and keep them on hand they are cheap.

 

[gw204]

But he said it looks to be coming out of that little hole about the vent screw. That eliminated the gasket as a possible culprit. Oil won't leak out and run up.

Get it checked out to determine if it's gear lube or engine oil.

 

[MaxOut]

Unless it's been wiped before the photo it looks like there is no oil above the plug? Maybe that little hole by the screw is a vent and the lower unit is overfull? Just a thought.

 

[TunaJoe]

Yesterday I looked very carefully and I think the oil is possibly coming out of the hole by the bolt, above the oil level screw. Or the oil level screw itself. It was hard to tell, but there was some subtle streak lines.
I wiped it all clean and I'm going to check it again over the next few days.
Meanwhile, I'll order some gaskets.
Thanks guys!