2013 60 HP, four stroke, Mercury minor issue

[LoweSTX175]

Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to fix a minor issue I'm having with this motor.  Last week I noticed while idling/trolling that my motor was putting what looks like gasoline into the lake.  I can smell the fuel but couldn't seem to figure out where it was coming from (example: a cracked hose or loose fitting hose).  The leak isn't over bearing and I'm planning on using it this week either way to go spoonbill snagging.  Any ideas where to start?  If it is persistent I'll probably do a drop off at one of the Marinas in Warsaw.

[fishinwrench]

Pump your fuel primer bulb up and keep it squeezed tight while looking for a leak.   If you can't detect any leaks check your engine oil level to see if it appears over-full.

I assume that you are seeing a slick on the water?   Are you sure it's fuel?  Could be tilt/trim fluid or gear lube leaking from the lower unit.   

Best to get it taken care of before you get too far from the ramp.  I mean the reason you bought a 4-stroke was for fuel economy, low emmissions, and quietness......right?    By running it, you're throwing the first two reasons out the window.  And if you think it's quiet now just keep running it like that and it'll get even quieter.   They are the quietest thing on Earth when they won't run.

[snagged in outlet 3]

My 40 leaked around the fuel pump itself.  Readily apparent when I pumped the bulb.

[LoweSTX175]

31 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

Pump your fuel primer bulb up and keep it squeezed tight while looking for a leak.   If you can't detect any leaks check your engine oil level to see if it appears over-full.

I assume that you are seeing a slick on the water?   Are you sure it's fuel?  Could be tilt/trim fluid or gear lube leaking from the lower unit.   

Best to get it taken care of before you get too far from the ramp.  I mean the reason you bought a 4-stroke was for fuel economy, low emmissions, and quietness......right?    By running it, you're throwing the first two reasons out the window.  And if you think it's quiet now just keep running it like that and it'll get even quieter.   They are the quietest thing on Earth when they won't run.

You are correct that I'm seeing the slick around the motor.  I can smell fuel when it is running.  I checked the oil level and it was normal.  I ran out of time over the weekend otherwise I was going to hook it to the hose and run it.  All of the hoses looked good to me and I didn't see any fuel or fluids under the cover when I took it off.  Like I mentioned I'll use it this weekend then drop it off on the way out of town if I can't figure it out this weekend. 

[LoweSTX175]

Just a follow up for those that might be curious.  Wasn't a minor issue.  I took the boat into Angler's Port and the float was broke.  Part had to be ordered and the motor was out of commission all weekend.  I still tried to make the best of the weekend and simply used the electric trolling motor and loaded it and unloaded the hard way in waders.  Part is supposed to be in on Thursday.  Luckily I didn't just try to get it through the weekend driving it around.....  

[fishinwrench]

Thought you said you checked the oil and the level was fine?  That's pretty much impossible with a stuck or broken float on a 4-stroke.  Whether carbed or EFI the flooding fuel had to of made it into the crankcase.    Make sure they change the oil and oil filter after the float replacement.   

[LoweSTX175]

I'm going to give them a call here shortly.  The oil was at a good level on Thursday night when I check it.  Also good advice on not running it this weekend.  You gave some great advice on solving an issue before it becomes a major problem.