1981 Mercury 18hp switch box assembly

[Havasumatt81]

Hey guys, while cleaning up my 1981 18hp for the start of the year, I noticed some black goo that has dropped down the side. Eventuall found that it came from the back of the switch box assembly. The black rubbery filling was melting. Are these known to fail like that? Thought maybe the motor was getting too hot but I always feel the tell tale water and it’s never out of the norm.

 

[racerone]

Feeling the tell tale is not a good way to check.----I have seen many of those impeller with rubber cracked.----I suggest you install a new impeller now.