I bought this boat and motor from a older guy and I asked when last time water pump replaced, he said he didn't remember. Keep in mind I never used the motor prior to me putting in a new water pump. After putting the new pump in and verifying it was pumping good water I took it out on the lake for a run. I backer her in the water and started the motor while on trailer to be sure it didn't sink. That is when I saw lots of smoke coming out of the cowl where it sits on the motor. It scared me so I shut it off. Brought back home and put on water and it would not do it at home. . Forgot about it and took to lake again and same thing. Lots of smoke. When I raise the engine up, it has power trim, there is lots of white oily slime between motor and mounting brkt. I know on Mercs. there is a metal tube that comes down from up top the motor and fits in a cup in the the lower unit. Did I not do something right? I have appt. to take to Merc dealer in 2 weeks and I told him on phone what was happening and he said sounds like a gasket under the power head. I know this can be expensive and I dont mind paying the repair bill I am just asking did I cause this problem??Thanks as always
