Caramel colored oil in oil filter

[smokey1]

I would like to know what it means? I am new to the I/O I have a '96 Merc 350 V8, I didn't winterize my boat(temp didn't go below o degrees,mild winter) Motor was running until I changed the oil, it turns over but won't start. I know the block isn't cracked, I checked. My I/O is in a '96 Ciera Express 22 ft. The gas is good I emptied out old and put in fresh. Gas is coming thru fine, I checked filter, the kill switch is on, changed spark plugs. What about the plug wires? How often should it be replaced? Thanks in advance!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Caramel colored oil in oil filter

It certainly could not hurt to change them but I dont think that is the problem.Check the coil wire and make sure it is on good.Try spraying some quick start in the carb.Did you change the fuel/water seperator and the fuel filter on the carb???Did you gap the plugs properly????By the way,just because it did not go below zero does not mean that you should not winterize the motor.20 degrees for a week straight will take care of the block,manifolds and hoses for you.The combustion chamber also was not protected from rusting so you may have more problems than you think.Any motor should be at least fogged when put into storage and with the climate that you are in you should never even consider not winterizing the motor.My motors are winterized well before I am able to tell if it will be a mild winter or not.Not a smart move Smokey!!!Charlie

 

[flashback]

Re: Caramel colored oil in oil filter

smokey, that caramel colored oil is oil with water in it. drain the crank case and see what you have in there. Is your boat a closed cooling system. I would bet that something froze up over winter and has cracked allowing water to mix with gas....0 degree weather for 24 hours is enough to destroy anything with water in it... good luck

 

[Bondo]

Re: Caramel colored oil in oil filter

I don't know about up in Alaska,<br />But down here on the St Lawrence(US side),<br />Water Freezes at 32*.................<br /><br />Your engine would be Junk, by 26*.........

 

[flashback]

Re: Caramel colored oil in oil filter

AMEN....

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Caramel colored oil in oil filter

Water at 0 degrees is solid,then gets larger.<br />DHP<br />what color is the oil now?<br /><br />dhp

 

[ahein]

Re: Caramel colored oil in oil filter

It won't start or it won't fire? Check for spark first. Pull the #1 sparkplug out, keeping it attached to the plug wire. While holding the plug with INSULATED pliers, have someone turn the engine over. You should see a nice blue spark between the electrodes. If no spark, you'll need to get busy with a voltmeter.<br />I'm curious to know how you "checked" for a cracked block? Many blocks crack internally and, unless you tore the entire motor down, you wouldn't be able to see the damage. Even then, you might not be able to pinpoint a failure. <br />Caramel-colored oil definitely indicates water in the oil. Pull all of the plugs out, turn the motor over and see if you have water coming out any of the cylinders. Then I'd do a compression check to see if a head gasket could be blown.