Emulsified engine oil and air leak

[Disschord]

Hi my 8hp mercury outboard 4 stroke year 2007 struggles to pick up if you accelerate quickly which makes me think an air leak but also my engine oil has slightly emulsified.

I recently changed the engine oil.

Any help would be appreciated

 

[ondarvr]

Check the thermostat, it can cause both issues. Also the carb may be dirty.

 

[Disschord]

Check the thermostat, it can cause both issues. Also the carb may be dirty.

The thermostate and gasket looks good could my head gasket give me these symptoms and is there a way to test my head gasket without removing the head?

 

[ondarvr]

Do a compression test.

About 90% of the time water in the oil and poor running is a thermostat issue, you need to actually test it, a visual inspection doesn't tell you much. Or just replace it.