Oil in water

Hey folks,

Wondering if there are any people out there that can help me with a problem I am having. Engine is a 25 HP (1984) Evinrude Outboard. Last year motor died when traveling back to shore with a over sized load of people and gear. Just stopped and would not start. Parked boat (almost 1 year ago) - didnt do anything with it. Just pulled it out a few weeks ago and determined I had zero spark. As a result I ordered a Power pack for it. While I was at I ordered a new water pump housing/repair kit and carb kit. Prior to the motor dying I noticed there was quite a bit of oil residue in the water around the engine.

In any case, replaced power pack, water pump and rebuilt carb. Engine starts right up now but runs pretty rough. I dont think its carb related because I followed the carb adjustment procedure (found on here) to the letter. I also noticed when I pulled the lower unit from the barrel of water it was running in, there was a combination of oil/water mixture (almost sludgy) pouring from the water intake port on the lower unit. Removing the shifter inspection plate (half way up the lower unit) you can see the same sludge running down the lower unit.

The engine runs rough at an idle (jumping around pretty good)... Wonder if anyone had any ideas to help me know where to start next. Im hoping its not a cracked head or something that would let oil transfer to the water ports...

Thanks...John

Re: Oil in water

Is there water in the lower unit?

If no then the oil is coming from the engine May be normal may be running to rich. To rich usually (in this case anyway) means that there is unburned fuel coming out the exhaust.
Sounds like you still not hitting on all the cylinders tho.

Recheck the spark on all the plugs and do a compression test. If that is bad then you can keep throwing money at it but you need to fix the problem.

Re: Oil in water

Perfect reply. Check compression, and use a spark tester to see the spark throw distance and confirm quality. Both will probably be fine, but you'll know that going in to the rich condition issue.. (carb)

Re: Oil in water

Probably that is unburned fuel coming out of the lower unit vent holes. It looks like a gray sludge. In addition to what you did and what has been recommended so far, you might also consider a link and synch if you have not done it. If you have a manual for your motor, it would be described there.