Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

[onebighead]

Hello folks, I have a 1997 Wellcraft with 5.7 mercruiser with alpha one gen ll, and I am getting water in boat. After just a few minutes in water I get enough to turn on bilge. At approx 4 minutes bilge turns on for 40 to 50 seconds. With ear muffs on the boat, it was dry, but in the lake I take on water. I can't see any obvious signs where it is coming in yet. I am asking for ideas on how to troubleshoot this issue. I know the ujoint bellows are a possibility, but not sure about exhaust bellows. Again, in lake without running, I take on water. Bottom and plug are ok. Help!

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

Water can find its way in from any number of places on the transom. Inspect any thru hull fittings or bolts. Inspect the bottom of the hull for any cracks or deep gouges especially if you beach very often. The bellows can leak when in the water with the drive up and be dry as a bone on the muffs or in the lake with the drive down. Just being dry on the muffs doesn't rule the bellows out at all only rules out the engine water flow leaking. you will have to crawl around and inspect it while its in the water. Put everybody in the back of the boat and see if the flow of water is coming from in front of the bilge. You should see it running to the back if it is. Find a very quiet area and shut everything down. put your head in the engine area and listen for the leak. Do this with the drive all the way up ( trailer position) and all the way down. A mechanics mirror on an extendable handle and a flashlight can be a big help. My guess is the drive shaft bellows but it could be something as serious as a rotten transom.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

Hello folks, I have a 1997 Wellcraft with 5.7 mercruiser with alpha one gen ll, and I am getting water in boat. After just a few minutes in water I get enough to turn on bilge. At approx 4 minutes bilge turns on for 40 to 50 seconds. With ear muffs on the boat, it was dry, but in the lake I take on water. I can't see any obvious signs where it is coming in yet. I am asking for ideas on how to troubleshoot this issue. I know the ujoint bellows are a possibility, but not sure about exhaust bellows. Again, in lake without running, I take on water. Bottom and plug are ok. Help!

Ayuh,... Unfortunately,... the Only way to find a leak, is to LOOK...
Use a mirror, or camera....
'n,... No, the exhaust cavity is Wet, both inside, 'n outside, so the exhaust bellows is irrelevant...

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

Does the volume of water coming on-board increase with engine speed? Or decrease, or stay the same?

Help us to help you... The more information you provide the easier it is for us to pinpoint it...

Chris.......

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

Take a good look at the shift cable bellows while your doing your inspections.

 

[onebighead]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

Thanks for all suggestions. Have more info. now. It seems that in water with drive in up position, the boat seems to take on more water than with it down. Running engine makes no difference. Also running across lake really doesn't change anything. No leaks in cooling system it seems. I'm thinking drive shift bellows needs a good consideration, but just didn't want to pull the drive just for practice. But now it looks like I will pull drive. thanks all.

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

Here's some videos to put your mind at ease...

Removing drive: http://youtu.be/w3O63YTOhn8
Installing drive: http://youtu.be/aGVrY4cWiDA

Pulling the drive is nothing to be scared about, it's what you've going to find once the drive's off that would be worrying me....

Chris.......

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

Check the shift cable bellows it's a common cause of sinking boats!

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha one Gen ll, allowing water into boat, help

When you pull the drive pay particular attentio to waer in the drivshaft bellows. A leak in that area can cause collateral damageto the guimbal beaings and ujoints.

And while you re at it -- this ould be a great time to pressure test your outdrive. Pay close attention to the color of the lube that comes out / if its milky waer is getting in.