Is water supposed to flow from here?

[poolphilter]

I just bought a boat with a '79 Johnson Stinger 75hp. The motor runs good, and it seems to be pumping water. I'm new to boats, so I dont really know how things are supposed to work. As I ran the motor with the flusher, I noticed water flowing from inside the engine compartment. I unbolted the lower back cover to see where the water was coming from , and noticed that water was flowing from the vertical rotating shaft that I guess connects to the drive unit. I asked about it to the mechanic at my local boat repair shop and he said it was fine, but it just doesnt seem right to me. Does anyone know what I am talking about and could tell me if this sounds normal?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Is water supposed to flow from here?

It's not _supposed_ to do that. Will it hurt anything? Probably not in the short term. But, I wouldn't let it continue for very long. Sounds like either the drive shaft seal on top of the water pump is leaking and shooting water up the drive shaft. Or, the top of the water tube is leaking. Could be other things too, but given your description those sound the most likely.


How long since the impeller has been changed out? If it's been awhile, get a kit. It will come with a new drive shaft seal. You may get lucky and fix your problem with a needed bit of maintenance. If its been changed recently, you'll need to do a bit more work to figure out the source. Take some pictures and post 'em here.

 

[F_R]

Re: Is water supposed to flow from here?

The water is coming up from the hole in the water pump that the drive shaft goes through. Will it hurt anything? You bet. It will rust the bottom end of the crankshaft, destroy the splines (rust), and possibly get into the crankcase and destroy the powerhead. Fix it.

 

[WaterWitch2]

Re: Is water supposed to flow from here?

I replaced my pump housing on my Johnson 1978 140hp and the housing had no provision for the upper seal. The original one did have a seal. I used a Sierra kit. Is the Sierra kit redesigned to not require the seal? I ran it on muffs after I did it and it pees well and I didn't notice any strange leaks. Should I be worried? Ignore this. I started a new post for this question.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Is water supposed to flow from here?

Whatever it is, I think you've just crossed one mechanic off the list.

 

[WaterWitch2]

Re: Is water supposed to flow from here?

Whatever it is, I think you've just crossed one mechanic off the list.

What do you mean?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Is water supposed to flow from here?

"I asked about it to the mechanic at my local boat repair shop and he said it was fine . . ."

 

[poolphilter]

Re: Is water supposed to flow from here?

Thanks guys. I knew that wasnt right. Maybe I just didnt explain it to the mechanic right. I'll get a new water pump kit. It hasnt been ridden in like 3 or 4 years so I bet it could use it. I also need to get a new steering cable and probably new pivot tube becuase its so unbelievably stuck. I got a lot of work to do!