Slow leak- Trim Line Manifold or trim sensor wires????

[Fiat4Fun]

Howdy,
I have a 1986 Chris Craft Scorpion with a Alpha One. I had the boat serviced, and had the bellows all checked. I do get a little bit of water inside the bilge, that I have been chasing. Before I tear the engine out, and do the seal around the transom, I wanted to check a few other items. I had the guys at the marina check for a rotten transom, and they don't see any indication of anything, but it's an old boat ;-)

I thought about the trim manifold that sits under the outdrive. Is this a place where water could leak in? If so, how hard is it to replace the gasket, as I assume there must be something there?

The other thought is where the trim sensor wire goes through the transom. I thought maybe the rubber grommet there might leak a little. IF I pulled the outdrive off, can I see that area and see if that needs attention?

I have stuck my head inside to find where it's leaking and no luck so far. It does not leak when I run it on muffs, so I don't think it's coming from hoses or the manifold.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Scott06]

Those are areas where it could leak but pulling the drive will not provide any better access , unless you pull the bellhousing and bellows off too. Which if they aren’t leaking I’d leave a lone. You checked the shift bellows too? That might leak or not leak depending on what gear it’s in. Additionally a pin hole in exhaust pipe might leak as well but would think you’d see it.

I think you will either need to rig up a phone camera on a selfie stick of get a endoscope camera for your phone and put the boat in the water and look for links in gear out of gear, turn the wheel left and right as it may be intermittent.

might also be worth seeing if the nuts on the inner transom plate are loose. If they are generally this is indicative of a rotten transom

 

[Fiat4Fun]

Thanks for the feedback. I know the transom plate bolt nuts are tight. I will need to get more views from inside. I had it at a Mercusier dealer, and they thought it was the drain plug, and replaced it. They also said it might be the steering arm area, but I don't see any leaks there. I did replace the clamp on the end of the shift cable bellows, and no change. I figure the best is to pull the motor, but didn't want to do it this spring, with all the stuff going on. I was just thinking of the other items I fan check. Is there anything on the trim manifold that makes it difficult to replace the gasket? Any links to videos or teardown instructions? Figure it is just one more thing that should be done on an old boat.