Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

[Ron Everson]

I just saw a post where someone mentioned running rich and black stuff on the transom. I've seen that black stuff on my boat more so before I did a valve job and replaced the carburetor. I still see that a small amount of the black film will form on the white outdrive and transom below the water line over time, and am wondering whether this is normal, or do I need to lean out the carburetor. I also saw a black film on the transom below the swim platform of a boat that I considered purchasing last spring and wonder whether this is a sign of problems. It feels like an oily film on my boat, yet the motor doesn't burn any oil. Any comments?<br /><br /> Ron

 

[papdetomaso]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

Ron, I was having the same problem with my boat, black stains on the transon. I have reduced the staining with a product called "Seafoam" which cleans the carbon from the combustion chamber. Just follow the instructions on the can. I did a "driveway" cleaning first by hooking up the hose to the outdrive and pouring half a can of seafoam down the carb.while running about 1500 rpm's. I add a can at every fillup and have noticed a reduction of the buildup of carbon. I also did a lean/rich chase on my carb.but found that not to be the problem. If your boat runs good, starts good, with no other problems, try the seafoam. If your still concerned with the mixture on the carb.,use a vacuum guage,drawing vacuum from the intake manifold to adjust the mixture (highest reading) good luck....Pappy p.s. do a search on this site for "Seafoam"

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

I've run inboards for years.. Even with a perfectly healthy engine, there is always going to be some of the "black stuff"...<br /><br />Also.. If there are quite a few 2 strokes around the boat ramp, and especially jet skis, I can put the boat(clean as a whistle) in then immediately take it out, having not even started the engine, and have the "black stuff" scum line..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

A Much, Much Better Indicator is the Color of the SparkPlugs..........<br />If They are running Clean, Don't Worry About It.......<br />If They're Black, Lean the Motor Abit.......<br />Burning Hydro-Carbon Fuel Causes Carbon... There'll Always be Some.....

 

[Ron Everson]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

The plugs have always been pretty clean, so I'm probably all right. Sounds like I need to find some Seafoam. I noticed that Overtons and West Marine don't have it on their web pages, so it may be quite a hunt. Auto parts stores in my area don't know how to spell Sea let alone carry a product for boats. Thanks for the info!<br /><br /> Ron

 

[DJ]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

Check NAPA.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

It's an auto product. Try any big parts store, like Carquest.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

Our farm supply stores carry it in central Illinois----also, some motorcyle stores that sell jet skis carry the stuff.

 

[Ron Everson]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

The local NAPA store says they have it in stock in 16 oz. containers. I'll have to wait for the weekend, since I work out of town and don't get in until after the sidewalks are rolled up. I'll do a cleanout in the driveway before I go to the lake - I like clean water, also. Although I wonder if removing the carbon and gunk from an old motor is such a good idea - it may just loosen everything up and it'll fall apart. I remember when we used to add things like Jacobs Super flow (the consistency and look of honey) to the oil in the '58 Ford and '55 Chrysler to smooth out the knocks and rattles. Any experience with adverse effects from using this stuff?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

I'll start by saying, Even thou I'm a Firm Believer in Marvels Mystery Oil.........<br />I'm Not into all the Snake Oil Products out there.... You know... Rebuild Motor in a Can......<br />Seafoam Might be a Great Product, <br />But, for upper cylinder lubrication, I use Marvels Mystery Oil......<br />To De-Carbonize the Combustion Camber, You Can't Beat WATER........<br />Just use the Same Procedure explained by papdetomaso for the Seafoam Cleaning, Only Use a 12oz. Bottle of WATER.......<br />Make the motor Labor, But Not Stall.......<br />It's Free,+ Works Better than Any $10. a can Snake Oils......

 

[DJ]

Re: Black Stuff on the Back of the Transom

Ditto Bondo! H2O is the way to go.