green horn looking for help

[steeliebug]

i have recentley purchaced a boat with a 85hp force out board. I checked the gear oil and it looks almost green in color with some metalic flakes in it. Is this a really bad sign , or should i just change it and forget about it? also, i noticed the morning after running the motor on muffs some black greasy residue that had dripped from some very small holes located underneath but at the very top of the one piece gear box. i looked and there are three small holes on each side. im unsure what the black oily residue is and what the small holes are for. is this some sort of exhaust? thanks !!!

 

[alcan]

Re: green horn looking for help

Depending upon how big and how many flakes, you may have a problem. How ever things sound fairly normal to me. The holes you inquire about are drain holes, they drain water from the unsealed portion of the casting, mainly to prevent freeze bursting. As your motor is a two stroke and this area is basicly the exhaust pipe you will get black oily residue from time to time.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: green horn looking for help

I agree with Alcan. Greasy residue is most likely unburned fuel/oil mix. The flakes? Change the gear lube (new gaskets on fill/vent screws) and check it again after a few outings. If more flakes appear, we can go from there. Good luck!