Black tar/soot dripping out

[t_andersen]

Hi guys,

Here is a newbee question that may be simple to many of you. I have a 4 hp 1997 Evinrude that I use for my small fishing boat on a lake in Sweden. I use it only for 5-10 trips per season. I have had it serviced every year by a pro, but he charges over 200$ for the job, and I am a mechanical engineer, so I thought that I would save the money and plan to do the job myself from now on. I have bought an original manual for the outboard motor, I have all of the tools, and I am used to repairing and servicing my chain saws, so I should be capable of fixing it myself in the future.

Now here's the question: This winter and spring, the motor has been dripping a little bit. Not much, just enough to produce a black spot of what looks like tar on the floor under the motor. I do not believe that it is gear-case oil, it looks to me that it is more like soot from the exhaust. I have not seen it before, i.e. in the period 1997-2006. Is it a sign of something bad? Should I take any action?

Thankful for any advice-

Regards
Tom

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Black tar/soot dripping out

actually, very normal, it leftover's from the season before in the exhaust housing. it wants to be used more.

 

[Finnish genius]

Re: Black tar/soot dripping out

It is normal for it to do it, put a newspaper under it or shallow pan to catch it. It is exhaust junk. And if I am wrong I know it will be addressed. Real good forum. Ken

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Black tar/soot dripping out

Carbon and byproducts of combustion (or stuff that doesn't get burned) builds up in two-stroke engines. There is a decarbonizing process outlined in several of the FAQ's. Search on the term "decarb". Treat your engine to that process and then give it a good thrashing for an hour or so to clean out these deposits. Your motor will thank you for it. The cleaning agent is generally a product called Sea Foam or Deep Creep. Mercury, Yamaha, and Evinrude/Johnson distributors also have their own brands of engine tuner. Treat your chain saw and other two stroke engines to the same treatment. It's like having a mechanic in a can.

 

[t_andersen]

Re: Black tar/soot dripping out

thanks guys, this is a wonderful site. I don't know how we survived before the Internet came around. Regarding the latter remark, I did in fact do a decarb two years ago, I remember the thick, white smoke quite well!