Good morning.
About three weeks ago, I inherited a 2002 Nitro NX 750 Dc with a 90 Mercury outboard (0T586609) that sat winterized for 2 years. I am fairly mechanically inclined, but a total novice when it comes to outboards and engine repair.
After some general cleanup, I attempted to start the motor with a hose flush. The motor would turn over strongly, catch, and run for 1-10 seconds. The tell tale was ejecting water during this time. After about a dozen attempts the tell tale stopped ejecting, so I immediately stopped trying to start the motor and let it flush for another 5-10 minutes.
The first thing I did was to change out the water pump and started the recommended 100 hr maintenance. However, once I removed the lower unit, I noticed a black, oily substance that smelled of fuel on the top of the drive shaft on the splines. I ended up cleaning everything up and completing the pump change which actually had a blown gasket between the pump housing and plate.
Am I correct to assume that the fuel on the drive shaft splines is a bad thing?
Will I cause catastrophic harm if I try to start the motor again.
At this point, I have just reassembled everything and let it sit. I think I may be approaching the point of letting a pro take a look and just calling it a day.
Thanks