2006 Mercury 4stroke burning oil?

[gettinback]

I noticed that my 20hp Mercury 4 stroke was smoking alot more than usual at idle this morning. I checked my oil when I got home and it was reading low on the stick? What could be causing this. And how can I trouble the issue.

Thanks

 

[skipper123]

Did you get this figured out ?

 

[turbotodd]

The usual causes are diluted oil, and dirt dobber nests under the cowling. There is no air filter. Them mud bugs get in there, build their nests, and then you start the engine. Vibration and moving parts break the nests apart into dust and the dirt goes directly into the engine, grinds the cylinders and rings, and they start to use oil.

 

[skipper123]

Yikes never even thought about dirt dobbers destroying my engine, I will be removing my hood a little more often to check on them little buggers.