Likely problem? (Yamaha 4 stroke 8hp)

[SVJOCO]

I took the cowling off our outboard today (I’m brand new to it and them in general).

From Googling, I understand this to be the fuel pump. Seems the corrosion on the pump is excessive? What should I be concerned about or check next.

The carburetor has a similar appearance but less of it.

I have not attempted to start the motor. Soon though.

Thanks,

[SVJOCO]

Sorry, the photo.

[a64pilot]

To me that’s excessive, but the color is strange, makes me wonder if you have a small fuel leak and that may be gelled fuel or fuel residue.
If it’s not fuel residue I’d clean it off with a brass or stainless steel toothbrush, and put a layer of grease, Vaseline or Your favorite anti corrosive in it.
I like Corrosion-X myself, but there are many good ones.

I spray my whole engine with Corrosion-X yearly and leave it wet

[SVJOCO]

Ohhh the first use for my big Corrosion-X can! Thanks for the reply.

[a64pilot]

I still think it’s a fuel leak though, rub it on you finger and smell it, if it’s fuel you’ll know.
It will also be sort of greasy feeling, where corrosion should be dry.
Also if it’s fuel, I bet a solvent like WD-40 or similar may dissolve it a little, corrosion it won’t.

[SVJOCO]

Ok, I’ll check it out. Awfully uniform for a fuel leak though, no?

[andri02]

May or may not be related to this .... I had problems with my 4 stroke outboard and the mechanic insisted it was related to the ethanol that is common in gasoline these days. I followed his advice and got ethanol free gas at a small airfield and have never had a problem since.

[SVJOCO]

Interesting. I’ll keep it in mind.

[slug]

Originally Posted by SVJOCO

Attachment 208117

Sorry, the photo.

Looks normal to me

Purchase a service kit

Take it apart. Clean up , add new gasket , pieces and off you go

Looks to me like you motor has been getting splash wet
Be alert

[rbk]

Where have you been getting gas? While that corrosion is ugly chances are the pump is fine, unless it has water in it. Why not run it? Pull it over slowly to make sure it’s not seized then fly at it with muffs, tub or in the water.

[Compass790]

Seen a lot worse but yes funny colour as mentioned. I'd just try & start it & see if its a problem. Its the internals that matter on those but yes you dont want a fuel leak. But a clean up would be nice. CRC soft seal or tectyl are my longer lasting anti-corrosion sprays of choice but have no experience with corrosion x

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by SVJOCO

Attachment 208117

Sorry, the photo.

Pretty normal, looks like that engines been in Salt Water.
Maybe do some maintenance.
Especially if laying it up for awhile.
Hose off the engine, dry with air, or shop vac.
Spray down with Wd 40 or similar protective spray
We see this a lot with servicing any saltwater engine.
SV Cloud Duster

[George DuBose]

I would clean off the pump housing, open it and change all the bits and gasket that are inside.

If the PO was using gasoline with ethanol, I would certainly run some Mystery Oil mixed with the gas, some in the engine oil or whatever carburetor cleaner that will clean out any gum caused by old gasoline whether ethanol was used in it or not.

Also check your rubber fuel lines for cracking. Older engines weren't designed to use ethanol.

When storing a small outboard for longer periods, be sure to flush with fresh water and run the fuel out until the engine stops. Fogging oil is a good habit when storing.

[Cheechako]

Clean that up. If it runs just continue using it. It appears like salt build up, no cowl on it? Spray it now and then with anti corrosion for aluminum.

If you start your engine and no water stream comes out it's most often just salt build up in the little hose or hole cavity through the outboard casing from sitting with salt in the system.
You can often fish a wire through there or even just a little drill bit at both ends of the water exit to cure it. Don't jump to the conclusion that it's the impellor, it rarely is!

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by andri02

May or may not be related to this .... I had problems with my 4 stroke outboard and the mechanic insisted it was related to the ethanol that is common in gasoline these days. I followed his advice and got ethanol free gas at a small airfield and have never had a problem since.

The ethanol isn't a problem as long as your fuel isn't old.

If you plan to leave gas in the tanks for more than a month or so be sure and add stablizer.

My 5 hp 4 stroke is 8 years old and no problems with the Ethanol fuel so far. The gas that stays in the tanks over the Winter months I treat with Stabil stabizer.

Plus I start the engine every few weeks ........ all Winter.