drain plug question

[arsenalpsu]

I have a 1994 Starcraft 1700 with a 115hp mercury outboard on her. There is a drain hold in the engine cavity well which fills and drains depending on weight distribution and acceleration. When it gets too high water drips into the bilge from the black round access panel in the well. (yes it's screwed down tight)

My questions is do I need a drain plug for this hole or is this normal? The hold is smaller than a normal plug so I?d need something different to plug it. It usually fills and drips into the bilge pretty good with the boat is at rest and two guys in the back. Thanks for any help.

 

[Thad]

Re: drain plug question

I assume "cavity" is the area where the motor is. YES, that is supposed to be there, NO, do not put a plug in it. If you were to plug it, you would have much more of a problem than a little water getting in.

Water will come over the transom into that well. The hole allows the water to drain back out.
As far as the pannel goes, being scewed down tight does not alays mean anyhting. The threads could be worn, a nick large enough for water to get through but small enough you can't see it.
If you don't use it regularly, put a little sealnt on it if it is a big problem.
If it a small amount of water, half to a gallon over a days time, I would personally not worry about it. Besides, you have a bilge pump, don't you?

 

[arsenalpsu]

Re: drain plug question

Yes i have a pump. It leaks in a small steady stream, maybe i'll just put some calking in the threds of the access panel. That should slow or stop it.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: drain plug question

Yes i have a pump. It leaks in a small steady stream, maybe i'll just put some calking in the threds of the access panel. That should slow or stop it.

I wouldn't use any type of caulk or silicone sealer, if you do need to open the access hatch again, that would make it nearly impossible...

Just wrap the threads with teflon pipe tape. That will seal them up, and let it still be removable if need be.

 

[109jb]

Re: drain plug question

What I understand is that water is leaking through the deck plate in the splashwell into the bilge. If this is so, then there are a few things. The part of the deck plate that is screwed to the splashwell should be sealed. If it isn't then remove it and seal it. The removable cover part of the deck plate should not have any sealer on it. There should be an O-ring that seals the cover to its base. Check the condition of thee o-ring to see if it is split. orotherwise damaged. If damaged, then replace the o-ring.