Skip to content

2003 Mercury 15 hp tiller oil and fuel leak

Featured Replies

I took my boat out the other day and it hasn't been run in about three months so I flushed the fuel and oil before I hit the lake. It started on the first pull and idled pretty bad and was smoking at first which is a given. However later on during the day it was dripping oil and fuel inside of the cowling. It looked like it may have been coming out of the oil pump and fuel pump possibly. I couldn't really tell on the water. Where do I begin to troubleshoot this leak ? I'm pretty mechanically inclined but have never worked on these outboards before. Should I tear it down my self ? Or should I go get ripped off at a mechanic ? Any ideas or suggestions would help me get started towards getting back out on the water. 

  • Super User

I would do some investigating first. Take the cowling off, look around and clean up any oil mess inside. Sometimes a little 409 and rags will do it. Nest hook it up to a garden hose and a set of ear muffs. Run it and watch all around the engine. The problem might be as simple as a cracked hose inside the cowling area.  Today's fuels are hard on all of the fuel system components.  Pay special attention around where the fuel connector connects, those o rings have been known to cause trouble in the past.

  • Author

Roger that. I'll take a look at it sometime this week and get back to you thank you

  • Super User

I will tell you the Ethanol fuels have been causing terrible trouble to fuel lines so it may have damaged the preformed fuel lines that run along the engine block. They can get brittle and crack. It also could be the diaphragm in the fuel lift pump, they can get hard and crack. 

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.