94 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Engine Leaking Water

[sprintracer6]

I just purchased a 94 VIP Vision 1760 with a 3.0 LX Mercruiser/Alpha 1 Outdrive. When I got the boat home & put the earmuffs on the outdrive with the water hose, I noticed water leaking inside from the engine. Turns out there appears to be a plug of some sort missing from the left rear side of the engine. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, & it would appear that there is a freeze plug completely missing, but when you run your fingers over the opening, it feels as if there are threads there for a plug of some sort. I also noticed the front freeze plug appears to have a bit of a rust line running down the block from it also. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I acquired this boat from a deceased father's daughter who had absolutely no idea about the boat other than she claims her father was ridiculously anal about caring for the boat.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Engine Leaking Water

Welcome aboard sprintracer,<br />It sounds like the boat could of had a freeze problem.Freeze plugs just should not come out.<br />The threaded holes how big are they.Maybe its where a drain plug goes..<br />I wouldn't run the engine at all untill you do more checking.<br />Should be drain plugs on the block and exhaust manifolds..

 

[sprintracer6]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Engine Leaking Water

Yes, there are drain plugs in both the block & manifold. This hole is exactly where you would find a freeze plug, the only puzzling thing to me is that the opening feels as if there are threads. The hole is about the size of a freeze plug as well. I've never replaced freeze plugs, but if this is the case, I am wondering if I should pop the other one as well, & replace both of them as a precaution..

 

[tommays]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Engine Leaking Water

I would just put in a rubber plug from the auto store and then test the motor for other leaks<br /><br />I can't see doing more than that untill your sure you dont have a much bigger problem <br /><br />Tommays

 

[sprintracer6]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Engine Leaking Water

I've also found a new rust line on the underneath side of the manifold as well.. Any ideas as to what/why this may have a rust line?

 

[tommays]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Engine Leaking Water

It could be nothing or it could be a crack thats why i said you NEED to plug the hole and run the motor with water and see what else if anything is leaking <br /><br />We cant help you until you take the next step and let us know what you happens <br /><br />tommays

 

[sprintracer6]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Engine Leaking Water

Thanks Tommays, I did just as you suggested with the rubber expansion plug.. I installed it, & put the muffs on. No leakage around either freeze plug, however there is a small squirt coming from somewhere up above the freeze plug area behind the manifold. I cannot see where it could be coming from, & I do not see any leakage coming from the small cracks in the manifold itself on the bottom side. Any suggestions?<br /><br />Can this manifold be tig welded to repair the cracks?

 

[Capt Ralph]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Engine Leaking Water

I have a buddy who's had pretty good sucess TIG welding minor cracks, He uses nickle rod and then spreads Marinetex over the weld once it's cooled. I've seen him fill cracks as long a 2"-4" with pretty good sucess. <br /><br />What I would do is run it on the muffs a while and see if your getting any water in the oil before you spend any more time or $$ on the motor. If you have water in the oil you have a problem that TIG welding can't patch.<br /><br />-CR