Greasy sludge dripping

[ricohman]

I rebuilt the carbs on my 1984 90 hp today. Runs great now but I notice greasy black sludge dripping out of the prop and down behind the prop. It's not gear oil.
I did spill some fuel in the upper when removing the carbs. I've never had a two stroke make this kind of mess. I noticed a lot of this in the exhaust when I had the lower unit off to replace the pump today. This engine has been sitting for 15 years or so though.

 

[GA_Boater]

Check the spark on all cylinders. That looks like unburned fuel/oil, but it is a lot.

 

[ricohman]

I think you are right. Now I have to research how to do that.
I did the remove a wire while running. All cylinders are firing. As yes I did get zapped.

 

[GA_Boater]

I use an inductive timing light or one of these spark testers from an auto parts store. Less than 10 bucks US.

 

[ricohman]

I use an inductive timing light or one of these spark testers from an auto parts store. Less than 10 bucks US.

That's a better idea.
I just realized the fuel in the tanks is not from this decade. I need some fresh fuel.

 

[GA_Boater]

That's a better idea.
I just realized the fuel in the tanks is not from this decade. I need some fresh fuel.

Yikes! LOL

 

[ondarvr]

The amount of goo dripping out can depend a great deal on the exact oil you use, so it may mean nothing. It can also be from running too cold, so check the thermostat. Put some fresh fuel in there, take it for a spin and see what happens

 

[82rude]

Is there not a gasket in the lower end made of rubber that if messed up can cause that also?

 

[ricohman]

Is there not a gasket in the lower end made of rubber that if messed up can cause that also?

Yes there is a thick rubber gasket. This one is in great shape though.

 

[82rude]

How much fuel did you spill in the upper.While filling up my etec with oil yesterday I slipped and spilled oil the same way as you and it pooled on the ground later.Maybe the gas washed the sludge and grime down to lower regions?

 

[ricohman]

How much fuel did you spill in the upper.While filling up my etec with oil yesterday I slipped and spilled oil the same way as you and it pooled on the ground later.Maybe the gas washed the sludge and grime down to lower regions?

At least a liter or so. I didn't notice fuel pumping out of the line due to the pressure from the tank in the heat until it got really messy.