What is this fluid???

[ddavis90325is]

I haven't been able to start this 6hp i got from a guy. He said the last time he ran it was March, and it has sat since then. It sputtered once, and won't start at all now. I flushed new gas through the fuel pump. I noticed this yellow/brown fluid coming from the carb, just wondering if that is stale fuel by chance, and where i need to go from here. Carb rebuild, or what. Thanks for your help!<br /><br />

 

[bubbakat]

Re: What is this fluid???

That sure looks like stale fuel. I would tear it down (carb) and soak it good and put a new kit in it. You can pick up a kit at your local napa store.

 

[Solittle]

Re: What is this fluid???

Two cycle outboards are run with a combination of regular grade 87 octane fuel and TCW3 oil. What you are seeing is a bit of the oil from the fuel mix (called pre mix). This is normal and not a problem. Don't try to run that engine without the oil. Most outboards running pre mix run a 50:1 ratio of gas to TCW3 oil.<br /><br />And yes it would be a good idea to rebuild the carb as well as replace the water pump and change the gear oil.

 

[ddavis90325is]

Re: What is this fluid???

So i've got two people telling me different things??? I have run only 50:1 mixture through this engine, but haven't gotten it to run.

 

[mikeyzx2]

Re: What is this fluid???

ddavis, it's been six months since it was run, and likely been a while since a good tuneup. That is likely just leftover oil, but it's what is left inside the carb that can be a problem. Since you're having difficulties starting it, go with SoLittle and bubbakat's advice. It's not hard to overhaul the carb on these little motors, as I got an 8hp Seahorse that needed a good cleaning when I first got it. Changing the oil in the foot is easy, get a pump from the J/E dealer for about ten bucks, makes it much easier as it screws into the bottom drain plug. Have you checked the compression on it too? <br /><br />You'll definitely know stale fuel. I can't get the smell out my sinuses from the '49 Merc I'm fooling with right now.<br /><br />Go to the FAQ's section, as there's a topic on motors not starting.

 

[ddavis90325is]

Re: What is this fluid???

i will try and tear down the carb then i guess. I have changed the lower unit fluid several times on motors like these, but that wouldn't have anything to do with the oil in the car would it? Thanks!

 

[DJ]

Re: What is this fluid???

Yellow fluid from the card=bad fuel. Been There.<br />Get rid of it, clean the carb and remix (50:1) with fresh 87 octane and TCW-3 oil.