3.0, engine oil, breather tube questions

[JonBoat55]

Just checking to make sure this is normal operation of my 1999 3.0 Merc. Noticed two things, both circled in red.....first is a pooling of oil at the base of the breather tube that leads to and holds the flame arrestor onto the carb.
The second is air/exhaust moving through the opening on the breather, small amount of smoke coming through when first started. Couldnt find a clear answer online.
Thanks

 

[dubs283]

everything looks/sounds normal

the "smoke" you're seeing is most likely condensation being purged from the engine oiling system/crankcase. very common on 3.0 L engines.

unless you are having severe power loss/other major symptoms there is no need to worry, it's just the nature of an engine design from the 60's

 

[Rick Stephens]

Run a compression check. Give you a baseline on engine condition. Generally the 3.0L use iron rings, they wear. When you get enough blow-by the breathers start ejecting a lot of gases and oil particulates. When it starts coating the flame arrestor is a good time to look at what your compression numbers are.

 

[Scott06]

The 3.0 I had in my old boat had about 800 hrs on it and 145 psi compression and I saw the same amount of blow by and oil as you are seeing. I thought it was an issue but had good compression, wouldnt worry about it.

 

[JonBoat55]

Compression check was all good. Cleaned up, went boating with the kids. Thanks guys