2000 90hp Johnson getting too much oil

cmichener

Cadet
Joined
Jul 3, 2013
Messages
6
My outboard is obviously building up too much oil to handle at lower RPM's. Sometimes when I'm out on the water it's way worse than others. I might end with a thick cloud of smoke around me or I might not. Opening up the throttle for a few minutes would clear the problem for about 10 minutes, then the smoke would begin to build. I know I'm supposed to check the fuel lines for a leak, but am too much of a newb to know the most efficient way to do that. I did inspect the gas side of the VRO2 pump. It looked brand new in there. All carbs have been cleaned. I have been getting the unburned oil dripping on the floor. I've read that's normal, but it seems excessive. Is it normal for the oil to still be dripping three to four weeks after the motor's last use? If not, is the continuation of dripping a symptom of something? I haven't really had much chance to see if the carb cleaning did any good. I fired it up today to still see plenty of smoke, but had to shut down pretty quickly as it appears I need to add an impeller change to my list of things to do. Thanks in advance to anyone with advice.
 

jakedaawg

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 26, 2012
Messages
4,275
A fuel restriction or an air leak in the fuel line as well as a failing vro can be the culprit.

preform the oil consumption test outlined in the manual.

fuel lines can look fine and be bad. I posted a pic or two a month or so illustrating this. The inner layer can separate and close up under suction but look perfectly new from the outside.

Being a 20 year old boat I would replace all fuel lines just as general maintenance. Those inside the cowl and the fuel supply line.
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
Might be that the carb is adjusted too rich if you have a needle valve. Turn it clockwise 1/8 turn at a time until you get stumbling or a mild backfire, then open it up about a quarter of a turn. See if it runs better/cleaner.
 

cmichener

Cadet
Joined
Jul 3, 2013
Messages
6
I've tried the oil consumption test but couldn't see consistently distinguishable pulses. I'd see some obvious pulses, but then see the level gradually lower. VRO issue or could it still be fuel lines? I have changed most of the fuel line sections but not all (trying to avoid pulling up the floor again). Thanks again for the responses.
 
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