Coffee colored oil

[Ativa]

We pulled into Belize and pulled the Honda outboard out of the water while we took a month long trip through Central America. When we returned I lowered the four stroke Honda 25 back into the water. The motor fired right up and I let it Idle for 20 minutes.
Today when I checked the oil it appears to be the color of cream coffee. I changed the oil and filter. What causes this?
Could it be that one of the three float bowls is stuck open or even worse could it be water into the oil?
My current plan is to start the motor and run the new oil in if until warm then change it out again.
Let me know, we are clueless
Ativa

[DeepFrz]

Sounds like water in the oil.

[never monday]

yep,
run it for a few min then check it again. Might have been condensation.

[44'cruisingcat]

Does sound like water in the oil.

[Ativa]

Ok update, I drained the oil and refilled, I ran the motor and the dipstick is coming out clean no water.. Here is a possibility we were hit by a sever storm 4 weeks ago off the coast of Xcalat, we had waves over the stern and bow, several times the motor was under water during this time. Is there any way the motor could have pulled water in during this storm?
I am going to change the oil again and let idle in gear for an hour or so to see if it turns to " Starbucks Lattee" after a few hours of running.
Just for people who are not cruisers in foreign places, something like this is very serious as it only took a month to get new plugs and two oil filters to Belize I could not imagine a motor rebuild ...

[AnchorageGuy]

The owner of Cucumber Beach runs the restaurant and when we were there he had a very good outboard mechanic. He picked ours up at the marina, fixed it and brought it back the next day. But before that change the oil again and run for at least an hour. Check the oil again and if all looks well run across to one of the outer keys under power. If you have a problem you can sail back. If all looks well you are probably good to go.

[Ativa]

Chuck as usual your advice is dead on, I changed the oil and filter again let the motor un in gear for 3 hours, then checked the oil and it was clear. I then let the motor run again for another hour and the oil is clear.. All I need for you to do now is to let me know if I can pay you to crew for the Voyage back to the Keys
Ativa

[never monday]

Originally Posted by Ativa

All I need for you to do now is to let me know if I can pay you to crew for the Voyage back to the Keys
Ativa

When do you want to leave?

[AnchorageGuy]

Ativa, Really wish life would let me make the trip with you. Glad it is working out OK and hope the trip is a good one on the return. Maybe Pat will take you up on it. Or I bet someone else on the board would love it.

[Therapy]

I will ask again.

I would like to make the trip.