Volvo Penta Water Leak

[1999vista258]

I have 1999 four Winns with 5.7GSI engine and Volvo penta DPS Drive. I had the bellows, gimble bearing and universals replace this spring. The boat went into the water today but not for long. While sitting at the dock I could hear water trickling into the boat, I'd guess about 1gal in 30 minutes. Pulled boat out as the leak was too fast to keep it in the water.

I could not see too much while it was in the water do to very little working room in the engine compartment. Maybe a mirror and flash light would help.

I pulled off the drive and the bellows was dry, my guess is either the shift cable or the engine Y. Pretty doubtful it is the engine Y so that leaves the shift cable.

My question is how do I trouble shoot this out of the water? And what do I look for? Any help is appreciated. Thanks Matt

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

My question is how do I trouble shoot this out of the water? And what do I look for?

It's hard to do.
Back the boat down in the water, leave it on the trailer, and look for the leak.
Should be really obvious.

 

[1999vista258]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

Don, thanks for the suggestion but I don't have a trailer. I hire a service that costs $225 for a round trip to the ramp and back. I guess I'll have to do my best with a garden hose and worst case scenario would be to pay the money and use your first suggestion.

I have read that the shift cable slides through a hose that is connected to the transome bracket. I did see that last night on my boat. Is there some kind of seal around that cable or is it a matter of keeping the end of the hose above the water line so water does not come in? Thanks Matt

 

[nimrod69]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

Dump water in the bilge and see where it leaks outside.

 

[Edge180]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

I had a leak in my last boat that was equally difficult to locate. I ended up taking it to a shop and while separating the outdrive from the transom he noticed the bolts connecting the outdrive were not tightened. That fixed my leak. Some of the fixes are nearly staring you in the face. Good luck!

 

[1999vista258]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

I think I have done all the trouble shooting in the drive way I can do with no success of locating the leak. I'll have to have the transport service come by and drop the back end of the boat in the water to see where the water is leaking leaking in.

After talking to 2 mechanics, they both are leaning to the y-pipe being corroded and water leaking in. The boat is only 10yrs old, isn't that a little odd? 2 more questions,

1. if the y pipe is bad will water leak in just sitting at the dock with the motor off?

2. Any other web sites that might have infomation about pulling the engine and replacing the y-pipe. I searched here but did not find anything specific about pulling the engine. I'll probably pull it out myself.

Thanks Matt

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

After you pull the engine out, put it in the water to make sure you know EXACTLY where the water is coming in.

I would still probably put it in the water again before I took the engine out. That Vista is going to be a pain getting the engine out of it.

 

[1999vista258]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

I finally found the leak. It it leaking between the gimbel housing and the transom. I know the right way to fix this involves an engine pull. I have read on this forum where some guys used caulking around the outside of the housing to fix the leak.

I'd like to ask those who have done that how it was worked for them and how long it lasted before leaking again? Thanks Matt

 

[gman11]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

I was reading this thread. The same thing is happening to my boat too. I have a 2000 Four Winns 268 vista that is leaking down by the Y pipe as well. I just had a new engine and lower unit installed on it. Mine is on a lift but am now worried about this. My bilge pump kicks on about every 15 minutes to pump water out. Any suggestions how to fix without pulling engine. I do not have a trailer and the company that did the work is now closed. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta Water Leak

Welcome to iboats, Best to start a new thread of your own, that way it won't get lost stuck at the end of someone elses question about their boat.