You need to remove the powerhead to replace the base gasket – not a difficult job. Other than continuing to make a mess on the outside of the exhaust housing, you could probably continue to run it for awhile, but you should probably clean up the mess after each use. The exhaust leg can get pretty warm and you wouldn’t the oily mess to get hot enough to burn.
Bob
1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1957 Evinrude 3022
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20
“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."
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