Water intrusion

[Zero Balance]

I have a 350 chevy /OMC Stringer. I put the boat in the shop to have the impeller replaced and the next trip out I noticed water in my bilge. I accumulate around 3 to 5 agllons in a 6 hour trip.

I asked the shop if there was any likelyhood that something may have been overlooked. The old guy (owner) says perhaps the water intake was not installed correctly. Would this be a reason for water intrusion? I have looked over the rubber diaphragm around the drive and it seems ok. I've looked over the hull and don't see any cracks.

To rule out the water intake I'm wondering if I put it on the hose would it accumulate water or is this just something that would happen when the boat is in the water.

 

[Zero Balance]

Re: Water intrusion

bump

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Water intrusion

"The old guy (owner) says perhaps the water intake was not installed correctly."

Whazz 'e talkin' 'bout? What's a 'water pickup'?

Anyway, for starters, run your engine on the hose connection/muffs and get back in there with a flashlight and check for any water around the top of the intermediate housing then follow all the plumbing, exhaust manis, sides of the cylinder heads, engine water pump etc. I once had cylinder heads that were corroded thru the water jacket. Everytime I went out I had coolant in the bilge. Finally just got back there with a flashlight when it was running and was able to see it oozing out.


Changing out a O/D Impeller, there is only one thing you could possibly do (short of sticking a screwdriver thru your boot) and that is, if he pulled the O/D and the shift cable, he may not have gotten it resealed where it goes back in thru the Intermediate housing. Actually I would call him back first and ask him about that possibilty.

 

[Zero Balance]

Re: Water intrusion

He always leaves the cable re-sel for me (per request). I'd hate to have someone accidently use too much silicone and end up having to buy a new cable. Anyway, yep I've sealed it checked it re-sealed it and double checked the cable again. I don't have a leak there.

Absolutley no water from the engine at all.

I had the plug insert re-installed and sealed when I had some hull work done the season prior.

I do need new ball gears so I guess I'll just have the boot replaced at the same time.

Thanks

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Water intrusion

He always leaves the cable re-sel for me (per request). I'd hate to have someone accidently use too much silicone and end up having to buy a new cable. Anyway, yep I've sealed it checked it re-sealed it and double checked the cable again. I don't have a leak there.

Absolutley no water from the engine at all.

I had the plug insert re-installed and sealed when I had some hull work done the season prior.

I do need new ball gears so I guess I'll just have the boot replaced at the same time.

Thanks

I'd do more checking before I started replacing things. The boot on my OMC is 30+ y/o and still is supple and has no hazing or cracks.