I have a 175 hp fast strike johnson that is 13 yrs old. I have noticed that there is a small amount of oil coming from where the shaft from the motor meets the top of the lower unit. It has a neoprene hose that comes from the motor to the lower unit @ this same location that could be the cause however, I think it is probably a seal or something up in where the shaft is that is leaking.Other than this leak , this has been a really good reliable motor! Any ideas?

Sounds like your shift shaft seal.

having a hard time picturing the area you're talkin bout - can you post a pic?

jtexas,
It is where the motor connects to the lower unit. If you look up in there you can see the shaft that comes from the motor down to the lower unit that turns the prop. It is hard to tell where the oil might be coming from w/ out taking the lower unit off. it could be as simple as the neoprene hose has dry rotted even though I cant really see any thing cracked on the hose! My guess is like Gary Purdy mentioned it might be a seal. I guess I will take it in to have a look see where the leak might be coming from.Thanks for responding guys!
HC BASSER