small stream of water coming in to boat from transom/drive area

[H@ystack]

I'm taking this to a guy here in Oviedo, FL, but just wondering what anyone else thought about this. I'm really hoping a hose just came loose, or a bellow is busted or something. Unfortunately, I am more convinced i have softened and busted transom though. Although, it does feel solid all the way around (that's without digging in to it too much thus far)

What is interesting is there is a defined stream of water coming in, as you can see. It's almost like when you suck water up in a straw and let it out the other end. I had a hard time getting my hand in there, but it is definitely coming from a hole in drive, but it is a hole that is supposed to be there. It doesn't feel threaded from the inside, so i don't think a bolt is missing. And without taking it apart, I can't get to it from the outside.

It's just a quick video I did with my phone.

https://youtu.be/HhIU76qtSlQ

 

[java230]

Im not a I/O expert but ill guess bellows!

 

[tpenfield]

Yea, bellows or transom is bad . . . those 2 are top on the probable cause list.

 

[H@ystack]

Fingers-crossed for bellows???? right? That's the answer I want out of those two??

 

[tpenfield]

Just thought of something else . . . The wires & grommet set for the outdrive trim limit and/or sender may be loose/missing. So, make that a #3 possibility.

 

[H@ystack]

Just thought of something else . . . The wires & grommet set for the outdrive trim limit and/or sender may be loose/missing. So, make that a #3 possibility.

This sounds even better....I'll hope for #3. haha.

I just ask because I'm learning. We bought this in February, and I'm enjoying working on it. I was "THIIIIIIS" close to taking the drive off myself, and learning as I go, but I realized I should probably let someone else take care of this, and I'll learn more later.

Whatever this guy does, I'm going to go ahead and have him replace quite a few things while he has it off. It's a 1988, so it is old, but we fell in love with it. Figure we can pump some money in to it now, and have it for a few more year.

A transom problem on the other hand....that's a different ballgame I'm not prepared for.

 

[H@ystack]

And just know, I'm not taking any of these answers as "advice". I realize we're all just chatting about it, so no worries there. Just looking for brainstorming thoughts until I hear back from this guy next week. It helps make me sound a bit more experienced when I meet with him

 

[thumpar]

It looks to be above the u-joint bellows and around the water inlet for the engine.

 

[H@ystack]

I went outside last night to pick around it a bit, and after further inspection (no idea how I missed this), every freaking hose on the outdrive is either rotted, and/or completely torn in half. The worst tear is in the hose above the radiator(u-joint??), somewhat on the port side off center, and right about where the water would come in. That would really make sense, considering the way the water is coming in.

Anyway, I emailed the guy last night, told him my findings and asked about an entire work up on the back end. He said he'd do a full bellows and hose kit, intermediate shift cable and trim limit switch plus trim sending unit, change gimbal bearing for around $695. He said it should be about 6.5 hours.

I did some research, and that appeared to be a very good price for all the work. Considering it would be done, and I would feel more secure, and not have to worry about it for awhile.

Since I'm new to this kind of work, does this seem about right? His labor costs appear to be around $70/hr

 

[USMotorHead]

I had the same problem with a stream of water. My U-joint bellow was leaking. There is a small 1/8" (approx) hole that runs through the transom.

 

[VeroWing]

I went outside last night to pick around it a bit, and after further inspection (no idea how I missed this), every freaking hose on the outdrive is either rotted, and/or completely torn in half. The worst tear is in the hose above the radiator(u-joint??), somewhat on the port side off center, and right about where the water would come in. That would really make sense, considering the way the water is coming in.

Anyway, I emailed the guy last night, told him my findings and asked about an entire work up on the back end. He said he'd do a full bellows and hose kit, intermediate shift cable and trim limit switch plus trim sending unit, change gimbal bearing for around $695. He said it should be about 6.5 hours.

I did some research, and that appeared to be a very good price for all the work. Considering it would be done, and I would feel more secure, and not have to worry about it for awhile.

Since I'm new to this kind of work, does this seem about right? His labor costs appear to be around $70/hr

I've done this job a few times on my own boats, and looking at all the items your mechanic is replacing, and the work involved, in my opinion, the price seems reasonable to me.

 

[H@ystack]

I had the same problem with a stream of water. My U-joint bellow was leaking. There is a small 1/8" (approx) hole that runs through the transom.

That is precisely what I'm seeing and felt. That's why I thought a bolt was just missing or something at first.

I really wish I had the guts to try this one myself. I'm sure I could do it, and I usually do my own work. I guess this just seems like something that I need to be sure is done right. My son and his friends are the main group of people I take out. Probably best to be safe with kids on it all the time.

I really appreciate all the kind responses. I'm sure I'll be back more often....although I'm sure it'll be awhile before I can actually "contribute".

 

[Fishermark]

I really wish I had the guts to try this one myself. I'm sure I could do it, and I usually do my own work. I guess this just seems like something that I need to be sure is done right. My son and his friends are the main group of people I take out. Probably best to be safe with kids on it all the time.

I really appreciate all the kind responses. I'm sure I'll be back more often....although I'm sure it'll be awhile before I can actually "contribute".

I can appreciate your desire to make sure it is done right... but it is not that difficult of a job if you are the type who does his own mechanical work. But yes - that price is probably about right.

My concern would be the condition of the u joints and the yoke where it goes into the drive. The chances are good that is rusted up and will leak oil out of the drive. That may need to be replaced as well. At the very least, the drive should be drained and pressure tested.

Here's a pic of where your water is coming from, just for future reference:

 

[H@ystack]

I can appreciate your desire to make sure it is done right... but it is not that difficult of a job if you are the type who does his own mechanical work. But yes - that price is probably about right.

My concern would be the condition of the u joints and the yoke where it goes into the drive. The chances are good that is rusted up and will leak oil out of the drive. That may need to be replaced as well. At the very least, the drive should be drained and pressure tested.

Here's a pic of where your water is coming from, just for future reference:

I do know that before I picked up the boat, the gentleman didn't want to sell it until he had the lower unit serviced. He had the lower unit's oil changed and serviced. I've not noticed any colorful rainbow water in or out of the boat, so hopefully I'm oil free. I will certainly ask about this when I drop it off.

Thanks for the photo. I was going to jab a GoPro down there just to satisfy my curiosity, but that took care of it.

 

[Grub54891]

Mine was the plate where the trim lines go into,under the drive,the gasket was bad. I figured it out after I replaced all the bellows. Still had a leak. Dang....lol

 

[H@ystack]

I had the entire back end service. Everything works perfect.....my bilge pump was lonely this past weekend.

The bellows were just shredded. The U-Joint looked good. Surface rust only, but he cleaned that up easily he said.

Replaced the shift cable. Probably unnecessary, as mine felt fine, but we figured since he had the drive off, may as well.

He tested my transom and it was solid as well.

Thanks for all the replies.