Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

[wgl333]

Just working on winterizing 1995 Wellcraft/ 5.7L merc with alpha 1 gen 2. Put muffs on, fire up and notice very little water coming from exhaust, hustle (almost fall) down the ladder to see water spraying between the 2 housings. Should I assume it is the exhaust bellow? (water was warm coming out) PO replaced them last season (I have receipts) (this is my first with the boat) and it has (had) been pretty much trouble free. First off, is my assumption correct? Second off, how big a job am I looking at? Seeing as I am in the midst of swapping out the old trailer (cracked frame) to a new one, in my driveway, why not just pile the fun on top??

 

[cr2k]

Re: Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

No. Probably the water hose. The exhaust bellows wouldn't be "spraying" I wouldn't think, and it's the lowest port. There is supposed to water coming from the idle relief ports, however. If it's spraying it is most likely the water hose from the drive to the transom ring.

 

[wgl333]

Re: Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

And that water would be warm?

 

[John_S]

Re: Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

And that water would be warm?

Yes, water from exhaust reliefs will be warm, and when idling on the muffs, most of the water will be coming from there.

 

[wgl333]

Re: Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

So I can breathe a sigh of relief and continue winterizing?

 

[John_S]

Re: Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

As long as you confirmed it is coming from the reliefs and not somewhere else.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

Yes, I agree most likely exhaust bellows. Who needs them anyway?

Double check where the water is coming from. If it is coming from anywhere, but the exhaust bellows post back with the info.

Exhaust bellows can be replaced fairly easily, 30 minutes tops.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

As long as you confirmed it is coming from the reliefs and not somewhere else.

When on the garden hose 99% of water comes out relief ports on my 7.4 and naerly nothing out the prop.

 

[wgl333]

Re: Water leak between Bell and Gimbal housing

I am quite happy to report it is the relief ports...bellows are in pretty good condition.

Thanks everyone!