Unfortunately, my motor is in for the 3rd time for the yellow staining, 2016 DF140ATXW

It is fuel leaking out the VST vent hose which drains down and stains the lower cowl covers, driveshaft housing, and LU.

The first time they replace the insulators for the vst. Estimated 21hrs on motor

Second time they change the insulators again with another style, and routed the VST vent hose through the rear drain verses the hole towards the front. They replace both cowl covers, driveshaft housing, LU, motor mount covers. Estimated 24 hrs on the motor. There's more to the story for the short time frame, but I will not go into that.

They did inform me that the rep told them to be expecting to see white motors only relating to the DF115A, and DF140A with the staining to start showing up. Looks like it maybe more that a few isolated instances.

I noticed the fuel odor and staining the second trip out. Called the Dealer and told him I was running the motor this season, miss last season due to being at the Dealers for weeks at a time. I told him and added a tee and hose from the VST vent through the rigging tube and into the splash well to prevent futher staining. Ran 58hr on it from the First week of June to the first week of July. Currently at 79hrs. It is definately fuel coming from the VST. I could see and smell it at the hose I installed and in the splash well.

It's currently at the Dealer now for about two week. No information yet.

One can only wonder why they dont investigate and solve the reason for raw fuel coming out of the VST......

Solve the root cause, not the symptom.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage anyone. Just telling my experience, and what I was told.

I really love my motor. It has increase my range around 55%, it's very powerful - it gets on plane just as fast as the two stroke it replaced, quiet, and is a good looking motor. I would purchase it again if I were to do it all over.

One other nice feature of a white motor. I can put my hand on it without getting burnt!

I agree. I'm sure they will get it figured out. Makes me wonder though if the Black motor are leaking to, and you just can't see it.

I'm familiar with the VST vent line coming out of the bottom. What harm would it cause to plug that thing? Just a little minor explosion???
I might look into rerouting them back into the splashwell or some kind of a catch can.

I have the same staining issue, 2017 140 . I really dont want to lose the season sitting in the dealer lot.

Update, The Dealer informed me that the updated repairs seem to have fixed the other motors it has been performed on. They are going to replace my VST this time, and perform further checks. He also told me that they are using a different power coating process for the white motors. It has been implemented to prevent staining. That's all i have on that for my motor.

They told me they have not see this issue on the 2017 yet. I took the cover off of one while I was there, and looked at the VST vent hose. It is routed as mine was originally. Off the top of the VST, through the 1st & 2nd intake runner, down the outside of the intake, then toward the front past the oil filter through a grommet leading outside the engine area.

The Dealer told me they had a 150 that would idle and run perfect until after about 10 mins, it would loose power and cut off. Come to find out, they did not know at the time, the VST vent had a plug in it for shipping. It was causing the issue.

I'll let my Dealer know that I have heard of one.

My boat has been there since August 5th

I've got about 50 hrs on my pair and I'm seeing some evidence of it already. Vent hose is routed identical to my 03s.