water coming in the transom

[bwright]

I have a 97 sea ray 18' with a 3.0 merc and alpha one drive. On top of my running problems I notice water in the bilge. I found out that if I put the lower unit all the way up sitting on the trailer backed in the water, water will come in the bilge. I can't hear the water coming in nor can I see it. I quickly checked the bellows and can't see any holes. I know the shifting bellows went on my old sea ray and you could hear the water coming in. Any other ideas in what to check? <br />Thanks for any and all help

 

[a.d.mobile]

Re: water coming in the transom

need to look closly to where the water is coming in at inside. it is tough remove all easy things sea ray stores canopy and other junk in the way of doing this get a mechanical mirror if needed. is water running in under drive shaft or on stb side or abouve drive shaft? if this does not help pull drive is water in u-joint bellows? while drive is of check bellows properly take your finger and search for hole usualy in the 12o-clock position towards the boat. 3 or 4 rings in from the back of boat they tear 1/2 inch or so size hole look behind water hose.

 

[Just Learning]

Re: water coming in the transom

I've got the same year, Sea Ray 190 and I've got hole in my shift bellows. Are you sure its not that again?

 

[dhammann]

Re: water coming in the transom

Your transom may be soft or the 4 bolts that mount through the transom may be loose. The weight of the outdrive in the raised position may be pulling the top mount away from the transom...grab the lower unit and try to move it up and down while looking at the transom mount for looseness.....just a thought

 

[bwright]

Re: water coming in the transom

well another case of a hole in the shift bellows thanks for your help!!!