Boat Motor Question

[BullHound]

At lunch today I went and checked on my boat. It was purchased new last year and has been in storage since the beginning of September. It has a 90hp Yamaha outboard. I noticed under the foot a small oil spot. After further investigation, I saw where it looked like the oil seeped from the screw where you can check the oil in the foot. Is this something to be worried about? I didn't have any tools to see if the screw just needed to be tightened. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Flint River Pirate]

sounds like it is just loose. There is also a washer that might need to be replaced. I bought one last year for my 90 HP Yamaha. The washer was 3 dollars and a new drain plug was $17. That's nothing to be worried about. Just see if it's loose, I doubt the washer is bad.

[BullHound]

I appreciate the help. I'm hoping that's all it is.

[Jumptrout51]

Was it dark oil or milky looking?

[BullHound]

The oil color was a light brown. It was very clean looking.

[Jumptrout51]

Being a year old you should probably drain it and re-fill anyway. The cold weather may have loosened the screw.

[BullHound]

Thanks JT. I am planning on taking it to get serviced next week. Got to get ready to find your fishing holes!

[Harmsway]

Hey Bullhound. You wouldn't be the first one around here to have a screw loose.

[Reel Cowboy]

Hey Bullhound. You wouldn't be the first one around here to have a screw loose.

I think we all do. Some more than others.

[chugbug]

I would drain it and refill it so you know it's full.

[tin can]

If oil is coming out water can get in. Drain it and check the grease that comes out for water. If there is any water in the grease have the lower unit pressure tested. It may not be any more than a loose screw. But if it is more than a loose screw it's gonna get expensive.

[BullHound]

I just took it to the shop. He said that the tan colored oil means there probably is water in it. He said since there was no physical damage (case cracked) that I should be ok. He won't know until they drain the oil. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for sure.

I'll keep everyone posted.