1997 mercruiser Alpha Gen+ 6cyl: recently took boat to marine mechanic for tune up and drive service/inspection. I've winterized my boats for 10 years, no problems. Prior to bringing the boat to mechanic, I started on muffs, checked oil, got it to operating temp - no issues. I had changed oil in Fall during winterization. When I picked the boat up, mechanic said he changed the oil, plugs, did timing, distributor, etc. I mentioned I didn't need oil changed because it was fresh oil from the Fall winterization but he said it was "milky" and needed changing. Milky? I knew milky meant water so I became concerned. I've run the boat several times on muffs and in water since - no evidence of water - no milky oil on dipstick, no rise in oil level. Engine runs great. The only issue I see is when I take the oil cap off, there is condensation/water drops on the cap after running the engine. I suspect this is normal. Mechanic suspects water intrusion was from water entering the carb over the winter - I left the flame arrester cover off over the winter...but it was shrink wrapped...I suspect if there actually was water in the oil it was from condensation. Bottom line: are water drops on oil cap normal after running?
