4.3L Mercruiser Alpha I gen II leak

kcjefff

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
41
Hey all,<br /><br />I have a 93 Sun Ray Bowrider I purchased over the 4th this year. The last couple of times we were at the lake, we noticed a leak when the boat was sitting. Here are a couple of the observations I have made about the leak:<br /><br />1. It doesn't leak much when underway (at least it doesn't seem too bad. It is hard to judge, since all we do is ski and tube, so lot's of wet bodies in/out).<br /><br />2. When left overnight in the water, if the drive was pretty much straight back, not much water came in, maybe a gallon overnight. If I left the wheel turned (not sure which direction) It took on a whole lot of water. Up to the carpet even.<br /><br />I have winterized it now, and I had tear the starter down and clean it up to get it working again, I assume due to water exposure. I drained the drive oil, and it showed no signs of water (thank god). It is now being stored in a family garage, where I can work on it. Problem is, I am not sure where to start with finding the leak. Could this be the bellows since it is more problematic with the drive turned? Which bellows would it likely be? I read the exhaust isn't a problem on someone else's post. So does that mean it is the drive? What else am I looking at having to repair due to this leak? The alternator seems fine. Is the drive being turned maybe a coincidence?<br /><br />Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to be as specific as I could.
 

kcjefff

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
41
Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Alpha I gen II leak

I just remembered another thing. The marina I bought it from replaced the shift cable before I took it. Could they have torn the shift cable bellow, or installed it improperly?
 

skicat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 2, 2003
Messages
135
Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Alpha I gen II leak

I am not an expert, but it could be a bellows. With the outdrive lowered, turn the steering wheel hard left and inspect bellows, then turn hard right and inspect again. You should be able to see if there is a problem. If these are the original bellows, you are overdue for replacement.
 

kcjefff

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
41
Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Alpha I gen II leak

I don't know if they are the originals. I did look them over, but didn't do a thorough inspection. I guess I am trying to say I don't know for sure that's what it is and I was looking for suggestions as to what else it might be.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,083
Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Alpha I gen II leak

It Sounds like you've been Lucky... So Far..... :D <br />
I am not sure where to start with finding the leak
There's Only 8 Nuts standing between Now,+ having that Drive setting in 1 of those Really Cool Outdrive Stands that I saw on another post............<br /><br />Pull the Drive... If there's Water in there, You want it Out......<br />And,<br />It'll make Further Inspection Easier............ ;)
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Alpha I gen II leak

The only way to find the leak for sure is to put it in the water and look with flashlight and mirrors and feel and anything else you have, and see where the water is coming in from. Any seal bellows gasket wire, hose or what have you could be leaking. <br />You do need to pull the drive EVERY year to check for water in the bellows no matter what. The Ujoint bellows and the shift cable bellows are probably the most common areas of leaks.
 
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