Leaking oil around prop shaft

[DennisJensen]

Last month my boat wouldn't go into reverse. I got it on trailer took it home. I adjusted the linkage so it would go into fwd and rev I haven't put it into the water since. But i went to change lower unit oil for storage and it was leaking oil out of the prop. Can adjusting the linkage too much cause the seals to go bad? Or shifting it into gear while the motor is not running cause a problem? Thanks again guys. I just want to find the cause for the bad seals before i replace them. Lower unit has 2 hours on it at most

[Alex from GA]

No and no. Are you sure it's oil and not exhaust residue.

[bgibson]

You sure it is gear lube and not crankcase oil? What engine is it?

[DennisJensen]

sorry its 2002 225 vmax its gear lube

[Nutoy]

Shifting without the motor running can put a strain on the cable and linkage, unless the prop is being turned so the shift dog engages fully.
Sounds like it's time for a seal job. I'd replace them all(prop shaft, main shaft and shift shaft).

[DennisJensen]

The lower unit is almost new I wouldn't think they would go out so fast

[Nutoy]

Check the prop shaft and make sure it's not bent. Also check for discarded fishing line. These are the two things that will take out prop shaft seals the fastest.