Carbon/Soot in new Exhaust Manifold

potminer

Cadet
Joined
Jul 19, 2009
Messages
24
Changed out exhaust manifold earlier this year. No hour meter on boat but guessing about 20 hrs put on new manifold. Pulled drain plug on bottom of manifold a few days ago and lots of black carbon/soot came from drain hole. In fact, had to prod hole to get any water to come from drain hole. What is this black stuff? Manifold is new! Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

1996 3.0L mercruiser
 

dingdongs

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 29, 2009
Messages
649
Re: Carbon/Soot in new Exhaust Manifold

you may have to do some other checks and ask yourself if all is ok its just natural combustion;
does my boat drink oil
have i done a compression test
look at spark plugs
these 3 areas may highlight your probs.if no oil consumption good compression and straw coloured plugs then your engine is perfect if running sweet
 

zbnutcase

Commander
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
2,055
Re: Carbon/Soot in new Exhaust Manifold

The black stuff is iron; manifolds start to rust out as soon as they are put into use, thats why they are so heavy (lots of iron). Perfectly normal.
 

potminer

Cadet
Joined
Jul 19, 2009
Messages
24
Re: Carbon/Soot in new Exhaust Manifold

Thanks guys. Yeah the engine runs great. Compression, plugs are all good. Just had me curious. Thanks for the reassurance.
 
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