Fuel dillution?

[Condor1970]

I noticed a god smell of diluted fuel when I just did my oil change, and wondered what causes this to happen. I was a bit surprised at the thinning of the oil, and the smell. I know it happens a lot, but in my case with a little 1989 Merc 3.0, could it need a new fuel pump?

 

[alldodge]

I noticed a god smell of diluted fuel when I just did my oil change, and wondered what causes this to happen. I was a bit surprised at the thinning of the oil, and the smell. I know it happens a lot, but in my case with a little 1989 Merc 3.0, could it need a new fuel pump?

Yes, that would be the first indication

 

[HT32BSX115]

I noticed a god smell of diluted fuel when I just did my oil change, and wondered what causes this to happen. I was a bit surprised at the thinning of the oil, and the smell. I know it happens a lot, but in my case with a little 1989 Merc 3.0, could it need a new fuel pump?

You likely have a mechanical pump and there should be a yellow or semi-clear hose going from the pump up to the carb. This hose usually shows evidence of liquid in it when the pump diaphragm starts leaking. Your OTHER evidence of the pump failure IS fuel in the oil.

You need a new pump!


Cheers,


Rick

 

[friendly_jacek]

Fuel dilution would be expected in carburated marine engine that idles a lot. I don't know your circumstances to know if it's normal for you.

 

[Condor1970]

I'm not quite ready to just replace the pump, even though they only cost about $100. The thing is, the owner used it a lot for salmon fishing/trolling. So, even though he had a kicker, I think he may have run it at idle a lot. Just a guess on my part. The best way to make sure is to run it for the summer, then check it when I do the winterizing. If it is saturated after a summer of tubing, then I will replace it.