water in bilge

[ph98223]

i just recently started taking alot of water in the bilge and the pump works
to keep it empty but when i pull the boat out of the water there's still alot of water when i pull the drain plug. the boat is a 1993 searay with a 4.3 v6 and a mercruiser alpha 1 out drive iam looking for suggestion's on where to start looking to troubleshoot as to were the water is coming from and what i should replace thanks again in advance for the help.

 

[ziggy]

Re: water in bilge

1st place i'd be lookin at would be the drive shaft bellows and shift cable bellows. if those leak, it's a direct leak into the boat........

 

[MTRatt]

Re: water in bilge

I recently bought a 1995 Larson SEi 174 with a 4.3 Mercruiser and Alpha 1 outdrive.

We took it to the lake this past weekend, and noticed the same thing you're describing. When we got it home, I inspected the outdrive. It turns out that the bellows covering the shift cable had partially seperated the ring nearest the stern wall of the boat.

I've read that you can replace this bellows yourself, but need special tools, glues, greases and gaskets. I think I'm going to take to boat in and have all four bellows replaced because the others can't be too far behind. It is suggested that the bellows set be replaced every 5-6 years. I don't think the ones in my boat have ever been replaced.

I'll be calling around today for pricing.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: water in bilge

What Ziggy said.....
& if it is salt water, I would spray some fresh water down in the bilge to get that salt out or it can eat through you oil pan & create other corrosion.......
MTRatt, welcome to iboats......
When you get that cost estimate & the timeline for the repairs, you will probaly want to DIY......
If ya start your own thread there is plenty of advice available here.....​