Ed, It is very hard to verify the type of oil/fuel
deposit you have. All outboards will build up some residual fuel type deposits over the summer. As most small motors do not have air cleaners (they use flame retarders, baffles, screens etc.)this leads to a resonance at the carb entry that will actually spit small amounts of fuel outward as this pulse occures. During the winter this can settle out in puddles. The fact that it is still there somewhat removes the possibility of it being fuel as it would have evaporated. It is probably heavy in oils and other by-products of petrolleum. Clean the area up, fill with fresh fuel and start her up. Watch what happens and then you can evaluate wether or not you have a problem. I would have a fire ext. handy. Ray S/V Speedy
