Is this shock leaking oil?

[IronDonkey]

I'm considering buying the frame/shock in question via the internet from somebody I dont know. Check out the shock In the first picture. Is it me or does the rubber bump stop and outer shock body tube seem pretty dirty/oily/mucky? Does this suggest a leak or some other problem? Should I be concerned? It's an 04 heckler that has been used for one season and the guy is asking $800 shipped including the XT fr der and a Truvativ post/clamp. What do you guys think? The files are too big to upload here so i created a yahoo briefcase, just click on the link to view pics:
http://f2.pg.briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/myemail3405/lst?.dir=/heckler&.view=l

[Kornphlake]

My bumpers always got mucky looking long before the shock really started leaking oil. I think it's okay, but the spring does look like either it's too short or the guy has an insane amount of preload on it, you might check into that.

[IronDonkey]

I think it's okay, but the spring does look like either it's too short or the guy has an insane amount of preload on it, you might check into that.

Good eye, I didnt even notice that. He's got that thing cranked all the way down! I definately remember reading in my 5th element manual not to adjust the coil preload more than 5 full turns or it would damage the shock. Now im worried...

[caputo1989]

Good eye, I didnt even notice that. He's got that thing cranked all the way down! I definately remember reading in my 5th element manual not to adjust the coil preload more than 5 full turns or it would damage the shock. Now im worried...

buy the frame if you like it and put a new shock on it. Maby try to get him to lower the price a little. $800 seems a little high.
Though the spring would be the only thing wrong w/ it.

[ioscope]

I think that lighter springs are shorter like that. I bought a 450 to replace my 700 when I bought my frame and it is only 75% of the length of the 700x2.80

[Spunger]

When I ran a coil shock, 6.5x1.5 shock the spring was cranked down more than what yours is. My 9.5x3.0 shock on my M1 has it cranked down, but not to the point where I have no adjustments.

Lighter springs usually have thinner coils. Heavy ones the coils are a bit thicker and there might be more coils per size. That helps it with the progresiveness.

I don't think it's 5 turns, I think it's 5mm of preload. I'm not 100% sure on that but 5 turns sure wouldn't get my spring preloaded much :)