Merc 4.3L Alpha One Leak

[Buzz1]

I am at a loss here. I have searched far and wide to find what this hole is and why I have water coming out of it. When I am in the water it leaks steady into the bilge. When I have the hose connected to the boat out of the water and running, it pumps through the hole. I have looked in the manual and searched the net to find nothing. The hole is located in the middle of the transom plate looking from inside the engine compartment on the portside about midway down. It is above the drive shaft and below the trim wire port. It looks like it is part of the gimbal housing. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

4.3L Mercruiser Alpha One outdrive. 1988 year model. See pic below.

Thanks,

Buzz

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 4.3L Alpha One Leak

Ayuh,... My guess is the bellows is Bad, allowing water in...

 

[Buzz1]

Re: Merc 4.3L Alpha One Leak

Does that hole come in through from the drive shaft bellow? I have looked at the drive bellow and it is not cracked or broken. It is soft and pliable. What gets me is the water leaks even with the boat out of the water and only connected to a hose. Water should not be pumped through the drive shaft bellow? Right?

Thanks.

Buzz

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 4.3L Alpha One Leak

Ayuh,... I'm pretty sure that's the bellows vent hole...
If the Oring wasn't properly set in place when the drive was installed, It Could be doing what it's doing, when it's doing it....

 

[Buzz1]

Re: Merc 4.3L Alpha One Leak

I will get into it next week and try to find what's going on. I may take the drive off and inspect the drive shaft bellow further. However it continues to baffle me to see it continue leaking even without water covering the drive and attached to the hose.

Thanks again.

Buzz

 

[Buzz1]

Re: Merc 4.3L Alpha One Leak

Bond-O you were correct. The hole I referenced is the drive shaft bellows vent hole. I got into the drive unit late last week and over the weekend fixed the problem(s). As you stated the drive shaft bellows did have a hole in it. At the top of the bellows. It was hard to see at first and once I prodded around a bit found the hole. Also the shifter cable bellows was rotten with holes. I went to it and after quite a few choice words and some time, replaced all rubber including the lower water hose. Went out and wow, no water.

Thanks for the help.

Buzz

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 4.3L Alpha One Leak

replaced all rubber including the lower water hose.

Ayuh,.... Good Move,....
Glad to hear it worked out for ya Buzz,...

Good Luck....