TOPIC: dripping oil... what is it?

So, I'm kinda new to all of this stuff.

I've noticed that after use, my motor seems to drip a little oil or fuel or something. Not really a lot - I see the spot the next day. It leaves a little spot about 4 to 5 inches accross on the ground. It seems to be a finite amount, it’s not like it drips more and more the longer it sits... so I'm hoping maybe it's just a carberator load of fuel I'm seeing?

I just had the motor serviced, and the mechanic said everything seemed good. I know he changed the oil in the lower end, I believe he said he pressure tested it too.

So – I’m hoping that the oil I see on the ground is not coming from the lower end / gear case… maybe just 2 stroke fuel running through? Or something else? Is this just part of owning a 40 year old outboard, or is it indicative of a problem?

Let me know if I can describe the situation better to get an idea of what’s going on. Thank!

I would first check the oil in the lower unit for water or milky looking oil, to make certain it was serviced properly

After checking the lower unit oil, it is not uncommon for the old motors to pass unburned fuel. The 2 cycle oil condenses on cooler parts and will drip as a normal part of running

Could just be residual cooling water which mixes with exhaust which contains oil residue.
It'd help to know what motor you have.

What your seeing is probably the unburnt residue from your exhaust passages and other nooks and crannies in your motor that eventually find their way onto your driveway. Two strokes by nature pump alot of unburnt fuel and oil past the combustion chamber which ends up in the water or wherever you park your boat...this goes especially true if you run the motor slow alot.

My Merc is notorious for this...it marks its territory for sure!

Thanks for the info guys - my motor is a 1971 Merc 500 (50hp)

I think it's like JerrfyLube explained. That makes sense. It does also appear in the water from time to time.

I did just have the lower serviced by a very reputable mechanic who said the oil that came out of the lower looked fine and he pressure tested it, so I'm thinking it's just unburned 2 cycle fuel and this is just part of owning a 40 year old 2 cycle engine. I'm not going to worry too much about this.

Thanks for the info!