'97 gamefisher 9.9

[Bowfin]

just changed my lower unit oil last month and it looked fine, though dirty. No water in it. Noticed yesterday oil seeping from a hole in the lower unit that is on the opposite side of the vent plug. The oil is dark and thick. I first noticed it after running this motor a few times after pruchasing the boat, hence the lower unit oil change. Is there a vent in there for the lower unit or what? what is the purpose of these holes and why is oil leeking out of one of them? It isn't a huge leak, just a trail, but I noticed this is the most oil I have seen since changing the lower unit oil. The motor runs great. would running it too rich cause oil build up on the exhaust and come out of that hole?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bowfin

 

[DJ]

Re: '97 gamefisher 9.9

Bowfin,<br /><br />I think you are seeing exhaust residue.<br /><br />Yes, running it rich will make this worse.<br /><br />The Gamefisher is basically a Force/Chrysler.<br />They ran a bit on the dirty side. Decarbing the engine, periodically, is essential.<br /><br />Do a search on this board using the search word: "decarb".

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: '97 gamefisher 9.9

I have the same motor.There is nothing unusual about the residue.It probably sat for a while if the is a lot coming out.You will get some black crappy looking soot unless you use it often.The motor is a force made by Mercury marine.I have had it since new and I could not be happier.Charlie

 

[Bowfin]

Re: '97 gamefisher 9.9

Yeah, it did sit awhile before I bought it. It runs great after a light carb cleaning. The carb had what looked like a thick spiderweb of hard crud in the float bowl and main jet. I didn't have a gasket set at the time, so I had to reuse the old hard ones on it, so the carb leaks a bit of gas and doesn't have a good vacuum at low throttle. Amazingly runs great though. Only sputters a tad bit at idle and starts on half a pull. I'm getting the carb gaskets on there this week. Thanks for easing my fears. Gonna be 75 tomorrow, so I may have to take her out after church just to get out in the wind and wet a line.<br /><br />Bowfin