1989 Cobra water leak

[Greg O.]

I have a 1989 Four Winns Sundowner 225 with a 260hp Cobra (GM 350). It was taking on enough water that the pump kicks on about every 15 minutes, but only while stopped in the water. There does not seem to be any leaking while on plane. I am thinking it has to be either the bellows, or a seal, or posibly shift cable boot. I am posting some pictures. What do you think? Thank you.

 

[Sparkinator]

Or the transom. I know you didn't want to hear that though.

Can you reach over into the keyhole in the transom? I could actually get my fingers behind the inner transom lower bracket and could feel rotten wood from the transom core on my SX drive.

If not, you can drill some core samples in your transom and make sure it's solid. Just make sure you've got some 5200 or epoxy to fill the holes in with.

 

[Greg O.]

I cant reach very well I was standing on my head to get these pictures with my cell phone.

 

[Cmac43]

I have an 89 VIP with a 2.3 omc. I have the same leak and just found that the 6 nuts on the mounting studs are loose. I have to remove the lower exhaust tube to reach the middle starboard nut. The nuts were loose enough that you could spin the washers! I'm going to try to get it tightened tonight and get a new exhaust gasket in the morning. I'll keep you posted.