Water in engine compartment - 5.0 with SX drive

[Hvymtl]

So the boat I brought home has had salt water in the engine compartment and had about 2 to 3 inches of water in the bilge after a short tow to the ramp (boat was on lift).

I've asked a few questions already, but still not clear since this is my first inboard boat.

1. Where can saltwater leak in from (no hull cracks)? What points should I check?

Should this take care of it:

(1) 18-2100 - Gimbal Bearing O.E. #3853807
(1) 18-2765 - U-Joint Bellows - O.E. #3854127
(1) 18-1074 - Exhaust Bellows - O.E. #3850426
(1) 18-2996 - Seal - O.E. #3852560, 911823
(1) 18-7315 - Hose Clamp - O.E. #853012-3

2. Pulled plugs and they looked clean. Oil is clean. Both batteries are dead and starter looks to be rusty junk so I can't crank it.

3. Since this is a SB Chevy..what size flywheel does volvo use so I can get the correct starter?

4. IF...boat will turn over with new starter where should I start on maintenance. Shop manual for boat and drive is ordered.

5. What is "tin" parts when talking about replacement engines .."including new tin".

Mike
1999 5.0 / 2bbl / SX drive Glastron GS 249

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Water in engine compartment - 5.0 with SX drive

Sure it was saltwater?
Could be leaking from the u-joint bellows or the exhaust down tube base o-ring?
Take the starter off and take to a rebuild shop. It's amazing what they can do with a pile of rust??
If it's not fixable they can get you the right starter. Marine is the only way to go.
The fly wheel is actuall from a V-6Camaro. I had to buy one once and couldn't afford OEM and had a parts guy track it down.
No idea what TIN parts mean???

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in engine compartment - 5.0 with SX drive

The only way to find a leak is to look for it.
Pull the drive and check for water in the bellows "Before" ordering parts. Make a list of all you need, then order all the parts at one time instead of some today, some more tomorrow, and OH, I don't need this.
Check the transom for rot. Being towed, the resistance of the drive through the water could allow the transom shield to pull away from the water a little bit.

I agree with getting your starter rebuilt by a starter/alternator/electric motor shop. It will look and work like new and much less cost of a new one.

You have a 14" flywheel, tin is typically the oil pan and timing cover

 

[Hvymtl]

Re: Water in engine compartment - 5.0 with SX drive

Check the transom for rot. Being towed, the resistance of the drive through the water could allow the transom shield to pull away from the water a little bit.

Thanks for both post and the answers/suggestions. Boat was taking in saltwater before (owner had to replace and oil pan). At least it was on a lift but I suspect a lot of water got in the bilge when it was being used. I will proceed as recommended.

 

[Hvymtl]

Re: Water in engine compartment - 5.0 with SX drive

Got my repair manual yesterday. I'm still not sure where water can leak in the engine compartment from with engine NOT running? I know from forum input it can't come from the exhaust bellows.

Is there anyplace else besides the u-joint bellows or the exhaust down tube base o-ring I should check while apart? How about the rubber seal to the flywheel?

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in engine compartment - 5.0 with SX drive

Set the boat in the water, look and listen for the leak, that is the only way you will find where it's leaking.
Flashlight, mirrors, small camera to look where you can't see.