Volvo penta aq125a w/275 outdrive,

[mazzen66]

Water dripping in between engine&I outdrive ,

 

[mazzen66]

But only when in the water.

 

[PiratePast40]

Absent any other information, either the transom is rotted and soft or the clamping ring bolts are loose or seals are leaking. It's also possible that the o-ring for the exhaust outlet flange is shot or the o-ring for the cooling water inlet line is bad. Those are really the only places for water to come in from the transom.

It's not uncommon for a boat that old to have a rotted out transom and deck. I'd do some poking around with a screwdriver or pick on the inside of the transom and see what you find. If the pick or screwdriver goes into the wood, you've found the problem. You can also try tapping on different areas with a hammer. Start on an area that you know is solid and then go lower on the transom. Again, the condition of the wood will become obvious pretty fast.

 

[mazzen66]

Thank you for the reply , my exhaust bellow has a rip in it at the outer hose clamp . Though I know that the bellow already has a drainage hole. But could it?

 

[PiratePast40]

Not likely. The bellows is more about directing the exhaust gasses and cooling water out through the outdrive. However, the pipe on the inside of the boat, that connects to the transom plate, does have an o-ring. That would be one possibility of a source for leakage. Running the engine on the muffs gives you the opportunity to check that o-ring and also the engine water supply fitting for leakage.

You really need to be doing a thorough check of the condition of the transom. What you find there will determine what path you take. It could be that you'll be listing the engine and outdrive on e-bay, learning more about rebuilding a boat, making a trip to the junk yard, or being happy that it was only a leaking seal causing the problem. And you won't be the first one making those decisions. I refused to pay the $160 fee for disposing of the boat at the junk yard, and showed them by spending $3500 on wood and fiberglass to rebuild the boat!

 

[72fj40]

It could be the upper/driveshaft bellows leaking too. Allowing water to go thru the pds housing and leaking between the bellhousing and engine.

 

[mazzen66]

The transom is fine, that could be it seaman , that seems to where it's coming from. Any ideas of checking this

 

[72fj40]

Remove the steering pivot pin, slide back the helmet, loosen the bellows clamp, and peel the bellows back and see if there is water/moisture inside the the bellows. Download a free factory repair manual and the 4 parts diagrams, cause you're gonna need it.

 

[mazzen66]

Ok great , that is the problem, I found a rip on the underside of it . This is a problem that's been going on a few weeks. Thank you sir.

 

[no704]

Good luck with it. When I was new I ran a leaking pds bellows to the point of having to replace my bellhousing. Good you found it early.