1975 9.9HP, should I fix this?

[jim18611865]

Bought this last fall, (model 10524C) and it just ran great for 2 weeks at the Jersey shore. Ran every day, and went through 10 gallons of gas. I noticed on removing the engine to come home, that there are chunks of rubber where the cooling water exits. I really don't think it is the impeller, but that is the first thing I will check. I highly suspect it is the large seal between the exhaust housing and the power head.

Other than the chunks of rubber, the only symptom is the engine sputters a little at a low idle. The guy* I bought it from couldn't figure it out, and went through the carb twice, set points, and checked timing. The engine runs great at every RMP except very low, but never stalls.
If it were yours, what would you do?

*Seller was very knowledgeable and fixes small older OMC's just for fun.

 

[coueytwo]

I would fix it. those old motors are hard to kill.

 

[ciscokid]

I would fix it also!!

 

[dew2]

I would also fix it! I just did one and your low idle problem is most likly a armature plate ring,Those motors had that problem and the armature plate moves abit when it shouldn't.I think its a 10 dollar fix,The rubber well first thought is impeller,Sounds as though you may have that undercontrol.Get that ring.