Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

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TulsaTime

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 26, 2009
Messages
111
I've got a 1986 Bayliner Capri 1650 w/ a Volvo Penta AQ131A w/ 275 Sterndrive. I've been on this forum quite a lot last year getting the old boat ready. Long and short of it is, it's running perfect thanks for a lot of folks on this forum. Got a new (small) problem. It's taking on a small amount of lake water and I can't find where it's coming from. I've taken the coweling off while in the water and running and I'm 99% sure it's not coming from the main rubber seal O ring from the motor/outdrive connection or any where else in the bilge area. I've replace all bellows last year and checked them again to make sure they are tight. Is it possible my boat has a hole in the hull somewhere? It does have a few spots that look suspicious. Having said all that, I do have a small raw water leak coming from just behind the impeller, but it's just a small drip like that annoying faucet drip that keeps you up at night. I'd say it takes on about a gallon every 10 minutes of action. What's even more crazy it this water comes in regardless if we are moving or red neck yacht clubbin'. Any help would be great. Regards, TulsaTime:cool:
 
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captmello

Captain
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Jun 30, 2008
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Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

if it's leaking when you're clubbin', then you just have to get in there and find it. It could be coming in past the transom shield if the transom is rotted out.

The raw water pump can be resealed.;)
 
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Tommywalton

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 23, 2010
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170
Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

Mine did similar thing. plate seal behind the water pump. not the raw water pump the one on the engine. it was leaking down the block behind the balancer, down around the oil pan flange, all the way to the back of the oil pan. my point, it was coming from the front of my engine and i was looking at the rear. we have similar set up.. i have 1950 capri 86' model. 275 vovlo outdrive. junkyard 350 from a 73 camaro, with all vovlo ignition, induction, timing etc thrown away as it was all junk in my case.
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 5, 2006
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30,588
Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

This may or may not work but it allowed me to find an area near my swim step than needed caulking. I was trying to look for areas that had leaks so I was putting my digital camera down in the bilge and taking pictures. My brother who was standing outside could see the light of the flash of the camera observable at one of the deck seams. Obviously we were doing this at night.
 
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TulsaTime

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 26, 2009
Messages
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Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

I'll try that flash bulb trick and see if there's any light coming thru any where. If I do find a small hole somewhere, what do I seal it up with?

I just replaced the water pump and checked and re-checked for any leaks...we are all good there. I've even checked for water on the bottom of the oil pan...no water there. So it's got to be coming in from the transom area some where.

Here's to hoping it's just a loose bolt that needs tightening and a little sealant.
 
jerryjerry05

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
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May 7, 2008
Messages
18,075
Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

The exhaust tube where the motor dumps the water and exhaust.It connects at the bottom of the inner transom shield.It has a seal that sometimes leaks.Get a light and set the boat in the water and see if it leaks.
Just another possibility.J
 
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TulsaTime

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 26, 2009
Messages
111
Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

Thanks for the heads-up on the exhaust tube connection. I'll check it all out and let you know what I find.
Thanks to all who replied...you guys are awesome!
 
rucaradio

rucaradio

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Aug 23, 2008
Messages
184
Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

If I had to bet money, I think I'd go with the transom seal. It goes around the housing on the outside of the boat and seals against the transom. Mine was leaking like crazy prior to my rebuild. I sucked it up and spent the $75 on a new one prior to reinstallation. It was amazing to see how much that gasket smushed down over the years.

Biggest downside is you'll have to pull the engine to replace it. Hopefully it is just the O-ring seal for the exhaust. lol
 
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TulsaTime

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 26, 2009
Messages
111
Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

rucaradio,
I'm not ruling that transom seal out at this point. I should have already replaced it. You say I have to pull the motor out to get to it? Do I also have to pull the outdrive off as well? Also, where do I get a new transom seal? iboats.com?
Thanks...
 
rucaradio

rucaradio

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2008
Messages
184
Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

You need to pull the motor, remove the drive, and unbolt the transom shield.. You can't buy the gasket from volvopentastore.com- which is administered by iBoats - it says 'SEE DEALER'. The part is called a SEALING STRIP and the part number is 897726. It's #19 in this pic: http://www.volvopentastore.com/Conn...*****.985993309--store_id.366--view_id.324026


Sierra might have an aftermarket replacement that may be available from iboats.
 
rucaradio

rucaradio

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2008
Messages
184
Re: Volvo Penta AQ131A/275 Taking on Water

Yep.. Forgot about the VP yearly part price increase..
 
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