Oil leak and bilge pump not working

[brewern]

After recently purchasing our used boat, the bilge pump has stopped working. There is a fair amount of oil under the motor, so I think it's clogged with oil and gunk. I think there must be a seal leaking on the engine. That'll be my winter project. I did pick up some 25W40, and need to replace the existing 5W30 in it. Can anyone provide some links or instruction on how to change the oil? Is there a drain plug, or am I supposed to pump it out or what?

For now, how do I remove the bilge pump and can I clean it out?

We have a 1980 Rinkerbuilt, 17' bowrider with a 140HP Mercruiser 3.0.

Let me know if pictures or any other information is required. I assume most pumps have about the same set up.

Thanks!
Neil

 

[Bondo]

Re: Oil leak and bilge pump not working

After recently purchasing our used boat, the bilge pump has stopped working. There is a fair amount of oil under the motor, so I think it's clogged with oil and gunk. I think there must be a seal leaking on the engine. That'll be my winter project. I did pick up some 25W40, and need to replace the existing 5W30 in it. Can anyone provide some links or instruction on how to change the oil? Is there a drain plug, or am I supposed to pump it out or what?

For now, how do I remove the bilge pump and can I clean it out?

We have a 1980 Rinkerbuilt, 17' bowrider with a 140HP Mercruiser 3.0.

Let me know if pictures or any other information is required. I assume most pumps have about the same set up.

Thanks!
Neil

Ayuh,... Have ya checked to see if it's gettin' Power,..?? how 'bout Ground,..??

Bilge pumps don't last forever,... I'd guess yer's is beat...
It probably has push-tabs, or twist-locks, or whatever,...
Bust it outa where it is, 'n you'll see the screws in a bracket...
Hopefully, you can find another pump that'll fit close enough, as to not have to redrill holes...

If yer motor is leakin' Oil,... Fix it Now, insteada pollutin' yer water til next winter...
All that crap is gonna end up in Yer swimmin' hole....

'n, Yes,the oil is pumped from the motor...

 

[brewern]

Re: Oil leak and bilge pump not working

Thanks Bond-o, it does make sound when I turn it on, just no water comes out. I took a good look at it and it did have push tabs on the sides which allowed me to access the inside of the pump. Around the axle of the blade I found a string that I'm sure was slowing it down. I couldn't get the screws out, and although I hate introducing water to the inside of the boat, I blasted it with the hose and got all the funk out.

It turns out the oil isn't that bad, but the previous owner's pet squirrel had collected a bunch of leaves and stashed them under the deck, which had worked loose and got a little oil on them, and then clogged up the pump. I have all junk and leaves removed and I'll be keeping an eye on any oil I find. I really think the leak is because the PO was running 5W30 in it. Either way, I want to completely remove the engine this winter and replace every seal and gasket I can get to. I doubt that's been done.... ever.

Now to figure out how to get the old oil out of it. I guess I'll be buying a new tool soon..... off to search for tutorials.

Many thanks,
Neil