Storing a 4-stroke engine

[farjoe]

I use a 6Hp Mercury engine on my sailing boat mainly to get me out into the open sea.

The manual tells you that when not in use the engine should be kept vertical or horizontal with tiller side up. Else engine oil will leak out of the crank case.

How does this happen? What is the use of providing a tilting mechanism if you cannot use it?

regards

[Landlubber]

....I reckon you have misunderstood the owners manual, the tilt position is quite OK for storage of a 4 stroke...they are referring to long time lay down storage, and yes, the oil will leak out if not stored as required.

[farjoe]

is there an explaination of how the oil leaks out?

i had thought this was because of the dip stick entry point but it turns out this is actually on the lower side in the recommended position?

[Landlubber]

The head would leak oil, the crankcase openings can allow oil to go up the passages to the head and it cam leak there, also the crankcase breather would allow sump oil to leak too if inverted