Mercruiser Alpha One Slow Leak - Pic

[actaeon9]

Hi All,

1989 Wellcraft 190 Classic Alpha One Gen 1.

We put in the in this past weekend, and noticed some water in the bilge after an hour or so. Pump took care of it, but we noticed a slight stream of water leaking on the inside of the transom at the red "X" in the pic below. Trim Up/Down or Turning Right/Left makes no difference, nor does running or not running. I would guess about 1/2 a gallon an hour or so. Just a steady trickle.

We examined the Shift Bellows (Although it would be the wrong side) as well as the u-Joint Bellows. Both are in good shape as best I can tell with a flashlight and some careful prodding. The exhaust needs replacing, but the leak is too high for it to be the exhaust (see pic). There is no water present in the outdrive oil, nor is there any oil in the water in the bilge.

I'm sort of at a loss on this one. I guess it could be the fresh water inlet running down, but I would think we would see that running over the upper metal ledge, which leads me to believe it HAS to be coming through the gimbal bearing.

Anyone have any other ideas? We'll probably end up pulling the drive for inspection, but I thought I'd check here first.


Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One Slow Leak - Pic

Bad thing about closeups like that, I really have no clue as to what you have a picture of.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One Slow Leak - Pic

which leads me to believe it HAS to be coming through the gimbal bearing.

Ayuh,... Pullin' the drive will answer that question....

 

[Mike_Maranto]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One Slow Leak - Pic

I am no expert at this, these guys here have more knowledge than in written manuals but I will give you my two cents, by the looks of it; it seems like the picture is by the shaft of engine that connects to the drive, my boat also had a steady stream coming from same spot, I am replacing the bellows for exhaust and gimbal bearing, plus the shift boot and all other seals and pipes except the gimbal, in next two weeks.
The picture is hard to tell because of close up I would suggest a broader shot; since I went through this recently, I was able to see the spot where x is marked. I hope this was helpful

 

[actaeon9]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One Slow Leak - Pic

You are Correct on the location Mike. (Sorry for the close up Don and Bondo)..The pic was taken on the inside of the transom looking down at drive shaft between the engine and the outdrive. The ledge with the "X" is the lower metal lip just below where the drive shaft travels inside and passes through the gimble bearing. Is yours strickly on the Right side (Facing the rear) as well Mike?

I agree that changing all of the bellows is a good start, I just didn't want to spend the time and money going in the wrong direction .


Thanks again for the replies...Please let me know what you find Mike, it would be interesting to see if we have the same issue.

 

[Mike_Maranto]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One Slow Leak - Pic

I have two leaks in my boat one from the Y-Pipe and the other exactly from the spot that you described with steady stream, since my boat has been sitting for 8-9 years, the bellows replacement was due on it.

Quick Silver kit costs about 180+ for mine, where as on ebay some people are selling it for $60, I prefer quick silver over others. If you decide to do it then you will need a special tool to hook the bellows that cost about another $50-60 but don't waste your money some one here on iboats posted a home made tool for $3 that works fine

In your case, do you know when your bellows were repleced last time? Also lifting up the drive and a thorough inspection of boots will be helpful, or the best option will be as Bond-O suggested, is to take out the drive and inspect, especially your gimbal area.

I will test my boat once I get the Y Pipe replaced, and inform you of results but feel free if you have questions

 

[actaeon9]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One Slow Leak - Pic

Just wanted to post a quick update on this..

Took Friday off and went out to beat the Crowds...Had a fantastic day, and did some more research on the leak.

After using my cell phone as a video camera (fits in tight positions and has a LED light on it...worked well!) I can confirm that the leak is NOT coming from the U-Joint bellows, nor is the exhaust or shift cable (again wrong side) leaking. The leak is higher in the outdrive than all of this, but is lower than the Steering mechanism. (The water is actually running down to the red X, in a manner that is not visible). In any case, after carefully reviewing the diagrams of the drive, I can be relatively confident that the Cover in which the Trim Sending Unit Wires pass through must be compromised(Part #57322T). Mine has two bolts in it, but I'm guessing the rubber inside must be torn/missing. I haven't been able to get a good photo of what it looks like (parts diagram makes it look like a darned thermostat gasket or something) but obvisouly there must be some sort of flexible (rubber) seal that the wires travel through.

If I disconnect the shift cable from the engine side, and am able to loosen all bellows clamps from underneath, there is no need to remove the drive from the bellhousing correct? I'm thinking I should be able to remove the hinge pins, and seperate the bell housing from the gimbal housing to gain access?

We're going to go ahead and dig in as soon as I can find a 1/2" allen wrench for the hinge pins in a store...what in the world ever happened to Lowes and Home Dept..their tool departments are AWFUL

Thanks Guys, have a great weekend.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One Slow Leak - Pic

If I disconnect the shift cable from the engine side, and am able to loosen all bellows clamps from underneath, there is no need to remove the drive from the bellhousing correct? I'm thinking I should be able to remove the hinge pins, and seperate the bell housing from the gimbal housing to gain access?

Ayuh,.... You'll Absolutely HAVE to pull the Drive....
It's only 6 nuts,+ a $6.00 gasket kit....