exhaust on drive shaft

[Lone Duck]

I have a 1982 90hp IL6 with a jet foot. While pulling the L U to check cooling impeller , I noticed exhaust soot on the top half of drive shaft. I cleaned it off with W D 40. and reinstalled L U . Would this be due to a failed base plate or a bad exhaust tube? Do I have to pull the head to check? The exhaust is not over loud when running. How serious is this? please advise.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: exhaust on drive shaft

That is common and not an issue on the prop models. I would think it would be the same for the jets. The seal around the exhaust tube leaks a bit. The exhaust will keep the driveshaft lubed up a bit, which is good.

 

[Lone Duck]

Re: exhaust on drive shaft

Thanks cris I was a little worried. Getting ready for the river to get to normal after thaw . it's quite high now and lots of logs and things comming down.