79? Mercury 1150 shaft rod black

[Miteyguy]

I have taken off my lower end of the motor to check my impeller as the last time I used the motor, no water was coming out of the back. The impeller does looked worn, but my concern is the top 12" of the rod look black. Is this normal or is there a bigger issue that I need to worry about?

 

[Chris1956]

When you say "rod" you mean driveshaft, right? That is not unusual, as it is easy for the exhaust to get to the driveshaft. It is actually a bit beneficial, as it keeps the rust down.

Take a look at the exhaust chamber, behind the waterpump. There should be a trapazoid-shaped rubber gasket there. They tear, get lost and are displaced all the time, allowing the exhaust to get to the driveshaft.