Water in Bilge - 1997 Sea Ray 175 3.0, Alpha1 Gen2

[lgrouper03]

I've noticed excess water in the bilge and last weekend tried to isolate the source. The water is coming in through the small opening in the bottom of the transom plate, where the hydraulic lines (trim) go out. From what I can see, the bellows look fine, but there are areas on top of the bellows that I cannot see. I did not see water coming into the boat through the drive shaft opening, so I'm thinking drive bellow is not the problem. Right now I'm thinking it could be the transom seal, but everything looks snug and tight between the gimbal housing and hull (outside) and transom plate and hull (inside). I don't really like the idea of silicone around the gimbal housing (outside) but I suppose that's a quick way to confirm or deny my suspicions about the transom seal. Any other thoughts? Thank you!

 

[Bt Doctur]

A temporary seal will confirm a leaky transom and rotted transom,but it is most likely the exaust Y pipe that has a corroded hole in the bottom.
You can check by removing the elbows and use a hose to introduce water into the Y pipe, may need to remove the drive and plug the exaust with some rags too.

 

[alldodge]

I've noticed excess water in the bilge and last weekend tried to isolate the source. The water is coming in through the small opening in the bottom of the transom plate, where the hydraulic lines (trim) go out. From what I can see, the bellows look fine, but there are areas on top of the bellows that I cannot see. I did not see water coming into the boat through the drive shaft opening, so I'm thinking drive bellow is not the problem. Right now I'm thinking it could be the transom seal, but everything looks snug and tight between the gimbal housing and hull (outside) and transom plate and hull (inside). I don't really like the idea of silicone around the gimbal housing (outside) but I suppose that's a quick way to confirm or deny my suspicions about the transom seal. Any other thoughts? Thank you!

If you haven't pulled the drive do so to determine it is not coming in through the boot. If it is coming in from the bottom around the gimbal housing and trim manifold this should be an easy fix. The link below shows item 29 for the gasket. Use a screw driver around the inside of the transom plate to see if it's soft. You can push as hard as you like and the screw drive should not penetrate.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...50.png&inbr=1942&bnbr=70&bdesc=GIMBAL+HOUSING

 

[lgrouper03]

OK guys, thanks for the quick response. This is my Dad's boat, so next time I go see him I will pull the drive and check the things you mention. I did a full transom, partial stringer rebuild on my boat 5 years ago. But funny how - even though I took all this same stuff apart on my boat - I forget the details already. I'm glad there are people like y'all who keep this information on top of mind! Thanks. Once I have more information, I will post back.