Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

[Old Yeller Boater]

I was doing some visual inspection on my water leak from my outdrive. As best I can see/feel, there are not any holes in the rubber boots. I realize that's not a definite check, but am trying to get an idea of where my problems are prior to starting to tear it apart.

Looking at the gimbal housing from the inside, the shaft boot appears to be very dry. No water at all coming through the shaft area.

Water appears to be coming in lower. I'd like to check where the exhaust pipe bolts onto the housing. Manual says to remove engine and stern unit to do this. Is it possible to remove and inspect it without removing the engine and stern unit?

 

[green76]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

I'm having exact same issue...my lower y pipe sprig a hole almost sunk boat...have to pull engine...keep us posted...can that mess engine up???

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

Mine is a pretty slow leak. after about 2 to 3 hours in the water, the bilge pump will run about 3 minutes to clear all the water. Basically, in that time it will fill to the bottom of the motor mounts. Not enough to sink, but certainly enough to be a problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

A leak where the exhaust bolts to the transom shield is seldom where the leaks start. Usually you will find the gimbal housing is pulling away from the transom due to transom rot.
When you use reverse it pulls the gimbal housing away from the transom and the leak starts. If the nuts holding the transom shield are loose or the lower bolts are corroded off, you found your leak.
Some light under the engine and a digital camera while sitting in the water can help you find the leak.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

...it will fill to the bottom of the motor mounts...

That sounds real high to me, I would want the bilge pump to kick on way before it hits the oil pan, just sayin'.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

That sounds real high to me, I would want the bilge pump to kick on way before it hits the oil pan, just sayin'.

Ayuh,.... Starters enjoy Swimmin', only Once....

I agree with Don,...

Pull the motor, 'n check the transom for Rot...

Ya can check those bolts while yer there...

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

A leak where the exhaust bolts to the transom shield is seldom where the leaks start. Usually you will find the gimbal housing is pulling away from the transom due to transom rot.

Bingo.

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

Just put a new starter in, so I'm careful not to leave the boat in the water very long or fill up too much.

<sigh> thanks for the input guys. I guess I'll be pulling it apart sooner than I had planned. Glad the season is almost over.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

I recommend you get a float switch wired in for the bilge pump so it kicks on when it needs to and not just when you remember to turn it on

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: Lower Exhaust Pipe Check for Water Leak

Just to tie up loose ends, my problem was indeed my transom. I had it rebuilt professionally using a composite material instead of wood this time. I saw the old stuff that came out. I wouldn't even call it wood...more like mush. it was a mess. The guy that did the repairs did not have any kind words for the previous person that had done the previous repair job. At least it will never ever rot again! He also replaced the bad flooring on both sides of the bilge area where the jump seats are, and also redid the gel coat in the bilge. I'm very pleased with his work. it was a bit pricy, but the peace of mind feels nice.

Now for my cracked block.