I have a 2005 Mercury Elpto 50HP, 3 carbs, oil injected. I noticed that oil was building up when I lifted the cowling. After looking at it, it appears the leak is coming from the bottom of the oil tank where some wires come out (maybe a sensor for low oil?). It looks like there maybe a fitting/washer/grommet/etc broke or out of place, but I really don't know without looking at a diagram.

Does anyone know how to fix this or can point me to a good diagram that would help?

Okay, after some research, I found someone else who had the same problem. One person suggested empty it and seal, another said just buy a new oil tank assembly.

What do yall think? If a sealant, can you suggest a brand?

The link I found: http://www.marineengine.com/discus/messages/12479/54035.shtml

I don't know of anything the might would stick to the oil permeated plastic tank. A new oil tank is around $95.00 and it is sure fix.

Tommy Yetts
Rockwall Marine

I drained the oil and looked at it closer. It looks like the wire tubing surrounding the electrical wire slid down from an attached "c" clip, allowing the oil to leak. I dried everything off and secured the tubing back to the c clip. I used a little 3M marine sealant to help bind it together so it would not wiggle loose again. The 24 hour drying period will be over this evening, so I'll get to check my amateur backyard fix.

From what I saw, buying a new oil tank would not fix that, as I would still have the wire and clip to deal with.

Thanks for the reply Tommy.

Tommy.... we try to help and but sometimes they dont want to hear what we say.....OPTI

I have to eat crow here, but I learn the hard way sometimes. My fix appears to only be temporary, but did slow the leak down. You were right and there is apparently more wrong with the tank than just the part I found, and it's probably some sort of crack somewhere.

From an amateur perspective, would it be better to take my motor to a shop for a new tank, or is it relatively easy to replace at home?

Thanks for any further help offered.