Hi Guys, My 1953 Evinrude Fastwin 15hp is leaking fuel and I'm trying to figure out why. It seems to be coming out of the exhaust (bottom hole on the back of the shaft) It's also possible that it's just running down the shaft and seems to be coming from there. It also was coming out of the high speed knob, but the nut was loose on the carb so I tightened it and it seemed to stop from there. This all happened after I pulled it off the stand to put it back on the boat. (I tilted it back a bit). I let the motor sit on the stand with pressure in the fuel line. Would that cause it--just filling up the carb and it spilling out? Should I relieve the pressure when not in use? Any troubleshooting, advice or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

Seems to me, that if you have gasoline running out of the exhaust, without the motor running, there is only one way for that to happen.

The needle and seat for the float level in the carb must not be seating properly, allowing gas to pass into the engine and out the exhaust.

It's possible that "tipping" the motor back could cause this, especially if the tank is still hooked up and pressurized.

I'm assuming this is occuring when the motor is not running.

Relieving the pressure from the tank would prevent this from occuring when the engine is not running, but would not "fix" the faulty needle and seat in the carb.

Could be the needle and seat need to be replaced, or best scenario, the carb just needs cleaning.  Sediment in the bowl could move to the needle and seat, preventing it from closing properly.

It's always a good idea to relieve the pressure from the tank when not in use.  Murphy's law.  Imagine a leak developing while the tank is under pressure.

Been a long time, but I believe the instructions on the tank said to relieve the pressure when not in use.

Inspect all hoses carefully.  If in doubt as to their integrity, replace them, and the clamps.  

Are those double lines still available?

I actually had a similar looking leak a few years ago. It "appeared" to be coming out the exhaust but it was just leaking through the cowling next to the exhaust port. I just had an old cracked fuel line between carbs. $14 worth of fuel line (replaced it all since it was all the same age) and it's been fine for years.

Thanks guys. I depressurized the tank and shot some carb cleaner in and seems to be ok. Thanks again.