87 Merc 150 XR2 exhaust Question

[sawblade723]

Today I dropped the lower unit on my 1987 Mercury 150 XR2 to replace the water pump. I noticed that the old water pump and drive shaft was covered with a sticky coat of carbon and oil residue from the exhaust. Everything was black and very nasty. The old pump also looked like it had been very HOT and looked like the plastic was warped. Does the exhaust normally get into this section of the lower unit? I noticed in my manual where some L/U's have exhaust seals and rubber washers but I dont see one on my EZ shift L/U. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 87 Merc 150 XR2 exhaust Question

If your running premix it will be nasty, over propped and defective t-stats will build up carbon also. The exhaust can sometimes overheat the pump housing if the exhaust can has been removed or the water fitting on adapter plate is clogged as this makes a water wall inside exhaust for cooling and noise. Check the housing with a straight edge and replace it if warped.