Building Alot of Water Often

Q7idrvr

Seaman
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
53
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

Are you sure that was the U-Joint bellows and not the exhaust bellows? There are actually three bellows, shift cable (tiny), exhaust (bigger) and the U-joint (biggest) and the highest, so hardest to reach. I haven't played with an Alpha for a bit, but I can't imagine not being able to feel the drive side clamp. Anybody else played with one recently? I think you should be able to touch the entire thing.

BTW, the exhaust bellows is of no concern for water entering into the boat.

Thanks QC... Was not aware of all three. Guess I was looking at and was able to get my hand around the drive bellows. And it did feel secure. Curious now. Will look for others today when get home. Plan on installing my Smart Tabs this evening hopefully!!!
 

haulnazz15

Captain
Joined
Mar 9, 2009
Messages
3,720
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

It's pretty hard to get your hands around the u-joint bellows. The exhaust bellows is at the bottom, the u-joint bellows is above that. If you actually have the exhaust bellows instead of the exhaust "tube", then I doubt you could get your hands up to the u-joint bellows.
 

Q7idrvr

Seaman
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
53
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

It's pretty hard to get your hands around the u-joint bellows. The exhaust bellows is at the bottom, the u-joint bellows is above that. If you actually have the exhaust bellows instead of the exhaust "tube", then I doubt you could get your hands up to the u-joint bellows.

I think I have the tubs after reading your post. I do remember when I ran the engine in driveway with rabbit ears, the water& exhaust was bubbling out on the sides of the transom mount...
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
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Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

Tahoe you say and it's a brand new 2010. Is it possible it has sat since 2009 drying out? That's hands down the worst water intrusion I've heard.
 

haulnazz15

Captain
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Mar 9, 2009
Messages
3,720
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

I think I have the tubs after reading your post. I do remember when I ran the engine in driveway with rabbit ears, the water& exhaust was bubbling out on the sides of the transom mount...

The exhaust/water will bubble out of the sides of the transom anyway because that's where the relief ports are. When the exhaust is not submerged and engine running at or near idle, the idle relief ports collect most of the exhaust since they are located below that main exhaust port. Has nothing to do with the exhaust bellows vs tube. The exhaust bellows should go from the transom to the outdrive just like the u-joint bellows. The exhaust tube connects to the transom side, but DOES NOT connect to the outdrive. It just dumps the exhaust/water behind the outdrive, but most of it still travels through the drive.
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

I tried to find a good picture of both and have failed so far.
 

Q7idrvr

Seaman
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
53
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

Found the problem. While boat was in for 20 hour engine breakin service, had them trouble shoot problem. They didn't see any water leaking in during dunk tank test, but the tech suggested it wouldn't hurt to change the drain plug and drain plug housing because it looked old. That fixed the leak!!!! Unbelievable how much water was entering the boat...
 

spdracr39

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,238
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

Hope there was no water damage to your transom wood. That seems to be a common place for the rot to begin.
 

Q7idrvr

Seaman
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
53
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

Hope there was no water damage to your transom wood. That seems to be a common place for the rot to begin.
I don't think I have a wood transom... Read somewhere the 2010 Q7i's are ALL fiberglass construction.
 

spdracr39

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,238
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

You'll find out when you drill the holes for your tabs. The shavings will either be all fiberglass or have wood mixed in. I didn't pay attention on mine so i don't know for sure either way.
 

Captain Losten Confuzed

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 10, 2012
Messages
39
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

I would also advise you to check the area where the steering arm passes through the transom. I think its called the yoke. There is a seal there I beleave that could be worn or loose. I had an OMC Cobra rust out and had to replace it. That was no fun
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 22, 2005
Messages
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Re: Building Alot of Water Often

He found the leak . . . :confused:
 

V153

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 16, 2011
Messages
1,764
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

He found the leak . . . :confused:
Yes, please try to pay attention ... "Changed the drain plug and drain plug housing because it looked old". See above.

Though he doesn't specify which particular plug assembly he's referring to, I'm betting bilge plug?
 

bgc

Ensign
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
980
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

Found the problem. While boat was in for 20 hour engine breakin service, had them trouble shoot problem. They didn't see any water leaking in during dunk tank test, but the tech suggested it wouldn't hurt to change the drain plug and drain plug housing because it looked old. That fixed the leak!!!! Unbelievable how much water was entering the boat...

Sounds fishy......
 

Q7idrvr

Seaman
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
53
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

+1. How can anything on a 2010 "look old".
Actually the tech said the drain plug looked "chewed-up". He didn't like how it looked and thought it was worth installing a new one. Not sure the official name for the plug, but it is the lowest plug in the center o f the transom that is screwed in before putting in water and unscrewed after trailering.

Also... Installed tabs about 6 weeks ago. When I drilled the holes, fiberglass shavings only. However, I installed my tabs on the outer, angled part of the transom. So I guess no wood out there. You think there could be no wood outer bit have wood in the inner???

P.S. THE LEAK IS FIXED. changing the "Main Drain Plug" ($4.00 part) fixed the leak!!
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

Well I for one thought it was one of the least likely sources, but cool. It is called the "the plug", the "bilge plug" and the type is called a garbord plug.
 

Q7idrvr

Seaman
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
53
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

Well I for one thought it was one of the least likely sources, but cool. It is called the "the plug", the "bilge plug" and the type is called a garbord plug.
Cool!!! Thanks for the info. Still learning the jargon....
 

V153

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 16, 2011
Messages
1,764
Re: Building Alot of Water Often

and the type is called a garbord plug
Less'n you fergit to put it in. Then it's called an "arrgh gar gar garboard plug".

Old pirate told me that one ...
 
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