Expert: tyler boehner - 2/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: I just bought this boat and after each attempt to start, the two venturis seem to be just dripping far too excessively.  Looking through the barrels I can actually see fuel pooled in the intake manifold.  The boat hasn't been operated for 9 months due to milky oil and I am just trying to run it enough to find the water source.  Anyway, I was considering how to possibly clean the interior of the carb w/o a teardown if possible.  Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Can't really clean the carb without taking it apart.  Best thing to do, is get a carb kit for that carb at your local dealer and tear it down replacing all the seals.  Milky oil is usually a sign that something inside of the block has cracked or you have a bad head or head gasket.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Fixed the carb and did the service bulletin upgrade on the needle kit.  Runs fine now & no dripping.  I ran the motor on muffs for 45 mins up to temp and higher rp without any milkiness in the oil or crank (outside temp 65F).  Next day I ran the motor with the outdrive in a pond on the trailer and put it under load for approximately 35 minutes (outside temp 32F.)  The oil still dips clean, but there was just a bit of milky oil on the oil filler cap and through the rebreather/crank vent that attaches to the flame arrestor from the top of the valve cover.  The motor has essentially sat for 9 months outside and previously ran only three hours since the prior 9 month sitting.  Is it possible that at this point the milkiness is condensation and not sympomatic of a greater problem?

Answer
You should be fine.  Running under load for 35 min should show a lot more milkiness if there is a problem.  Engines will have some "beer can" effect.  I would say you are good to go.  The first couple of times out, keep checking your oil.  If you are getting water in it, the oil level will rise on the stick.  Have fun!