thick black sludge coming from between lower unit and midsection

[Ranger 330V]

got my engine running and its runnin well. Got the link and sync done and she purrs..idle sitting at 2-3degrees BTDC and set 24 degrees at idle. I was told on the water this will increase to the 28...well not told I read that, is this true? Anyways to the question. Everytime I have run the engine...still on stand and on muffs after I kill it and it sits for a while i have a black crude that comes from the small slot between the lower unit and the midsection. I'm guessing the gasket that seals the exhaust right there. I've run a gallon of gas through it so far sitting on the stand on muffs, this mix had seafoam in it, I figure it maybe carbon coming down out of the exhaust but why would if come out the front of the hole and not the through hub exhaust?? The motor is tilted slightly foward because it is on a straight stand. Thanks again for everyones help...I can't wait to get it on the water! Just little things now.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: thick black sludge coming from between lower unit and midsection

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=207285

 

[Ranger 330V]

Re: thick black sludge coming from between lower unit and midsection

Thanks tasha...I appreciate it...mixture of seafoam, idling on muffs, and high mix of oil since engine has not been run for years...thanks I'm more at ease now although I wasn't too worried just wondered about it. I probably have that on the ol' merc but its hard to see black on black...lol...you can REALLY see it on the johnson..thanks again for your help!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: thick black sludge coming from between lower unit and midsection

You could also check something else. The exhaust tube in the mid has gaskets-sort of large rubber orings. They seal the various sections of the midsection exhaust. These can deteriorate and permit the exhaust sludge/crud to leak out as you mention. They can also get misaligned when a water pump is replaced. They aren't normally a replacement item, so most of them are as old as the engine. If the lower seal is damaged and leaking, it is possible the exhaust in that area is leaking by the plastic water pump housing. That could become another issue..

 

[Ranger 330V]

Re: thick black sludge coming from between lower unit and midsection

That is what I was wondering..I'm going to rebuild the water pump this winter in down time and I'll just replace that gasket...shouldn't be very expensive...sure makes for a nasty engine..lol.