gearcase oil leak

Mike_J · Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 12:28 am Post subject: gearcase oil leak

I seem to have an oil leak from my starboard 50 HP yamaha. The leak is from the upper "hole", so I am surprised there is anything to leak from there.
The following photos show the leak:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/h0mgvo2jk7vwa3t/2013-06-15%2018.32.14.jpg and
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i39j6qz62ty099a/2013-06-15%2018.32.20.jpg

Does this look just like I have a bad O-ring? Do I need to change the oil? Looks pretty clear - not milky at all.

colobear · Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:04 am Post subject:

Mike,
This may have no connection at all but occasionally I had a drip of oil from an upper vent on my Honda fortys. I asked my mechanic if it was anything to worry about. He told me to let the engine sit for a few minutes after running before raising it for travel, that allows oil in the system to drain to the pan.

Mike_J · Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:11 am Post subject:

Thanks Barry, I am pretty sure it is coming from the upper gearcase hole.

potter water · Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 8:26 am Post subject:

The Suzuki shop manual insists that new gaskets at each gear oil change are required. Their gaskets/o-rings are one time affairs, and I've proven that myself. You probably should just get Yamaha brand gaskets for the oil change plugs and change them out. They are super cheap and good insurance. I'm not real surprised that you are getting a leak from the top hole. The oil in the case gets pretty stirred up under normal use and if you are even slightly overfilled...not unusual...there will be enough there to wick out through any imperfections in the plug seals.

Mike_J · Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:36 am Post subject:

Thanks, Harry. I will get some O-rings.