huge leak...in my outdrive???

[nieuwBoater]

Hi all,

Here's my second problem...after running the bilge pump every 5 minutes all day today, it became clear I've got an enormous leak somewhere in my 1973 Fiberform (18', OMC outdrive, 165 hp Chevy 250). I pulled the plug after pulling the boat out today and about 20 or 30 additional gallons of water ran out!!! Aaaargghhh! I'm very new to boating and boat ownership and could really use any help you all could give. I inspected the hull and found a couple little holes in the exterior (under the bow), but not sure if they go all the way through or if it's just cracked out? There are also some hairline cracks along the main "V" of the hull. Also the boot/gasket thing that the outdrive pivots on (big rubber gasket -looking thing) appears to be cracked in places, but can't tell if the cracks go through...when I had the engine compartment cover off, I could hear water trickling in...so I figured it was coming from aft. so... HELP!

How can I check this? I'm the daughter of a mechanic and really pretty handy, but need some advice if anyone can help... I thought about putting the plug in and running a garden hose into the bilge, then looking for leaks with the boat up ont he trailer... is this an okay plan?

Thanks so much!

Best from the newbie,

Tiff

 

[cajun32]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

You have pointed out a few areas of concern, yet, I would look real close at the "Elephant" in the room, lol. Boots are notorious for leaks, and if your hearing water trickling in the bilge area it's a good place to start.

When 13, dad bought a new boat with an I/O and a boot, dad left it in the water over night tied to the pier. When we awoke, the boat was sitting very low in the water, we opened the engine compartment and it had water over the starter half way up the block.

After pumping the bilge we examined the boot; ...... dad had raised the outdrive the night before and a small stick became wedged between the folds/crease's of the boot perfectly as to punch a hole thru the boot.

We currently have a boat with a boot, that has'nt been used since 2001 in protected storage yet upon examination a few weeks ago, I noticed the boot is dry rotting and has cracks all over. This is my next project after my current fiasco with another boat.

Your leak could be anywhere, it could be one of a number of hose's in the engine compartment.

If you have a mirror you might attempt to lower it into the bilge and possibly see some water leaking. Remember fluids can be leaking one place and appear to be leaking in/from another place by dripping from one part to another.

About your plan to use a garden hose, I see nothing wrong with that, except that you definitly wouldn't want water over your starter. I would start out with a hose and flush clamp, run the engine and use the mirror to see if you see any leaks coming from any hose's or gaskets around the water jackets first. Pay close attention that the flush hose stays in place if it falls off while engine is running you can damage other parts, or the entire engine.

Good Luck

 

[gshldon]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

I would have to agree, you need to start out by checking boots on the outdrive. As i would suspect that might be where the problem lies. And also with cracks and the small holes need to be addressed as well.

Good Luck and happy boating

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

Hey Cajun 32 and gsheldon,

Thanks so much for your help and insights. I have to tune up my engine anyway, so I'll be hooking up the garden hose (securely..thanks for the warning!) to run it anyways. So...I'll look for leaking water hoses, etc. I'm guessing it's the boot, though...they look tough to replace....like removal of the outdrive hard... is that true?

Thanks,

Tiffany

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

If the boot is leaking, is there anything out there I can use to patch with? Silicone or something?

Thanks!

Tiffany

 

[frank246]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

Almost sure it is the Rubber boot that leaks. Sierra part#18-2767 for`67-`77

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Can I replace the transom seal (boot) without taking off the outdrive? Also, what sealant do I use to seal it to the transom? Just marine silicone or?

Thanks so much!!!

Tiffany

 

[cajun32]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

Yes there are products that can temporarily seal a hole, not dry rot cracks, I should know, my late father was one cheap person, he put off changing the boot on a 1977 boat, (the one I refered to earlier) for 2 years.

Boots with dry rot cracking, only gets worse every time the outdrive is moved, soooooo, .......... if it is the boot, change it.

I don't know the specifics of how to change one, yet I will find out, lol, in a few months.

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

Hey Cajun 32...good advice.... I'm getting another boot/transom seal.

Frank 246 -- can't thank you enough for the Sierra part #!!! That's awesome...WHAT A HELP! : )

Tiffany

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

There are 2 different boots for the Stringer drives.Count the number of screw holes and be sure to order the correct one.
Run a bead of 3M 4200 fast cure under the new boot.

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

Thanks, Gary!

I will definitely count those screw holes. Is the 3M 4200 Fast Cure readily available? Thanks!

Tiffany

 

[BLDFW]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

I would also check the rubber exhaust hoses. I bought my Explorer and cleaned her up. The engine and outdrive performed well in a bucket but when it came time to put her in the lake for the first time under my ownership, I could hear a distinct trickle of water.

Came to find out that the exhaust hoses were not original to the boat and were not sealed properly thus as soon as the water outside exceeded the height of the lower connection on the intermediate housing, water started running in. The correct original hoses are only 9" long with a 30degree turn at the lower end to connect to the housing. The replacement hoses were straight heavy duty generic marine exhaust hoses that had to be forced into place which meant crimping them. Once I got it off I couldn't get it on again so I bit the bullet and ordered the correct hoses.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

The 3M 4200 used to be sold at Walmart but they no longer carry it in my area.It was in the boating section.
Any boat supply place will have it. Bass Pro,Cabelas,and most boat dealers sell it.
I did find it at Home Depot one time then they stopped selling it.

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

Thanks, Gary H NC and BLDFW!


On the exhaust hoses... are we talking engine exhaust or water circulation hoses?

Just want to make sure, as some folks have also told me to check the coolant hoses for leaks.

Thanks so much guys!!!

Tiffany

 

[BLDFW]

Re: huge leak...in my outdrive???

Thanks, Gary H NC and BLDFW!

On the exhaust hoses... are we talking engine exhaust or water circulation hoses?

Just want to make sure, as some folks have also told me to check the coolant hoses for leaks.

Thanks so much guys!!!

Tiffany

My instance involved the exhaust hoses coming off the exhaust manifolds on both sides of the engine. These hoses are probably 3-4 inches across depending on application. But, check the others too!