Black residue in bilge

[Spice of Life]

Hello All:

I recently discovered a black/oily/sooty residue in the bilge and suspect I have an oil leak of sorts. I added oil to the engine (Atomic 4) and ran it for several minutes, but the pressure stayed within the normal levels and nothing was squirting out from the engine.

If I were to have an oil leak where would it most likely be located? I cannot see any evidence of leakage. Alternatively, could the residue somehow be caused by the ethanol in fuel? The marina owner says that ethanol causes all types of sooty residue around the engine and exhaust vents. . How this would find it's way into the bilge water, I don't know.

Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks,

Spice of Life
Cadle Creek, MD

 

[Ross]

I wipe my engine all over every time that i check the oil and that means everytime that i start it cold. There are only three or four site for leaks : each end of the crank shaft, the oil pan and the valve spring cover in the side of the engine.

 

[RichH]

The Atomic 4 original design did not have a PCV (positive crankcase ventilator) and without a PCV, oil vapor will freely exit the 'oil fill cap' on an A4. Without a PCV oil vapor will eventually 'spread' throughout and eventuallly deposit in/on the boat's engine compartment/bilge/everything-in-sight.

If your engine doesnt have a PCV you can obtain a PCV 'kit' (for DIY installation) at either www.moyermarine.com (MoyerMarine) or www.atomic4.com (Indigo Electronics) .... plus they offer a lot of other 'goodies' to modernize an A4.