Slow water leak 89 350 omc cobra

[i_build]

I have a 78 26' Stamas and there is a slow water leak coming from underneath the engine from the stern. I noticed that there was sealant in bad condition around the outside of where the drive mates to the fiberglass transom. Wanted to know if this could be the culprit because I cant see where it's coming from since it's below the engine aparently at the transom.

Thanks in advance... It gets a few gallons of water in it daily because it's kept in the water.

 

[Don S]

Re: Slow water leak 89 350 omc cobra

Could be many places. Is the transom in good shape? if rotten, the transom shield will be loose. Have you pulled the outdrive and checked for water in the bellows?

 

[i_build]

Re: Slow water leak 89 350 omc cobra

Yes, just replaced the bellows. It leaked the same way before I replaced the bellows. The transom is rock solid. I should have put new sealant around that area... do you think that could be where its coming from Don?

 

[Don S]

Re: Slow water leak 89 350 omc cobra

I should have put new sealant around that area...

What area ???????????

If you put in the cobra transom shield, did you put in a new transom shield seal? If not, there is your problem.

 

[i_build]

Re: Slow water leak 89 350 omc cobra

No I did not put in a new transom shield. The area that had bad sealant around it was around the perimeter of the transom shield and the transom. I never installed a transom shield before and did not know whether that sealant keeps the water out or whether there is some sort of gasket behind it... but if it's possible that water can get in if that sealant is not in good condition I will replace it... cheapest fix / suspect first.

 

[Don S]

Re: Slow water leak 89 350 omc cobra

You shouldn't need sealant between the transom shield and the transom. There is a seal (like a big oring) that seals the transom shield to the transom. If it's leaking, then it's time to pull the engine and transom shield and fix it right. With a new seal.

But, are you sure it's not the exhaust Y leaking where it attaches to the transom shield. That happens too.
Until you find out where it's leaking, you will be fixing everything in site and hope you win.
Who knows, it might be a leaky garboard plug or even a through hull some place on the boat.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Slow water leak 89 350 omc cobra

I have seen the flapper valves come out and the ss pin rattles around in the bottom of the Y pipe and wears a hole there.

Just one of the possibilities.