1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

[msu_sports]

This is my first post here so I am hoping I can get some advice. I have been rebuilding an '84 SeaRay Seville 5.6 BowRider with a Mercruiser 120 in it. I have two seats left to recover but wanted to check out the engine after I had done some work to the lower unit. I tested the engine with earmuffs on and with some adjustments at the carb everything was running smooth, no issues. I took it out to the lake and it was in the water for 25mins (engine off) with no problems. After starting the engine and running around the lake a short bit I noticed a bit of water in the bilge and then found the water was running in near the hose for the water pump behind the engine but I couldn't quite see exactly where. I turned off the engine and the water quit running. Engine on and water started running again. I checked again with earmuffs on and no water issues occured. Any ideas on what the problem is and what i should look at first? Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

Any ideas on what the problem is and what i should look at first?

Ayuh,... You'll have to locate the leak, Exactly, then We can help ya fix it...

Pictures would be nice...

 

[69rrvert]

Re: 1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

I would look at the hose that supplies the engine and also take a look at the flange where the exhaust bolts to the gimble housing. Thanks, Steven

 

[msu_sports]

Re: 1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

Ok so I found where the water was coming in. I pulled the engine and the drive and left the gimbal housing. I may not have needed to do this but it made it easier for me. There is a small machined hole near the gimbal bearing that the water is coming through. Bad new because it means the bellows around the drive shaft is flooding. Still trying to figure out where the water is entering. Bad seal around the bellows is my guess. Any other suggestions??

 

[msu_sports]

Re: 1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

I will take a pic of the drive unit tomorrow and post.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

There is a small machined hole near the gimbal bearing that the water is coming through. Bad new because it means the bellows around the drive shaft is flooding. Still trying to figure out where the water is entering. Bad seal around the bellows is my guess. Any other suggestions??

Ayuh,.... How Old are the Bellows,..??
Are ya Sure there ain't a hole in 'em,..??

They only last 5 to 8 years...

 

[msu_sports]

Re: 1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

The u-joint bellows were replaced over this past winter. I'm guessing they were not properly sealed but any other thoughts would be helpful.

 

[dingdongs]

Re: 1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

squirt some talcum powder around the area to see if that helps locate the source.make everything dry first and hopefully you may be able to see easier next time out.

 

[msu_sports]

Re: 1984 Searay Seville 5.6 Bowrider Water Problem

I was able to find the water leak. I was about the bellows. It was not seated correctly. I removed, cleaned and reapplied. I have a good connection now. I took the boat out and no leaks. Thank you for advise to run down the issue..