water leak

[jdcook]

I have a 1992 glasstream with a 4.3L merc., alpha one.<br />I took the boat out last weekend and in about 1 hour i had about 5 gallons of HOT water in the engine compartment. When I pulled the boat out of the water i could not see whee it was coming from. <br />If it was coming from the lake water it would not be hot, I think that it may be a coolant hose leaking.<br />Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[mvaughn]

Re: water leak

How was the engine temp while running? 5 gallons in an hour, pull the cover off, and fire it up in the water, or with muffs, you should be able to see where it's coming from. Hope it's just a hose!

 

[akriverrat]

Re: water leak

gotta love closed cooling. narrows search by half. no antifreeze in bilge raw water side... what last post said.

 

[2770]

Re: water leak

Had a similar problem but on a smaller scale.I had hot water trickling in from somewhere and I could not pinpoint it.Turned out to be leaking from a pipe fitting on the head which was behind part of the manifold gasket.I cut the gasket between exhaust ports,cleaned with a stiff wire brush and put marine-tex on it .That was about 5 years ago and I forgot about it until now.You must find where it is leaking.Try looking at night with a flashlight.This will concentrate the light only to a small area and will make it easier to find.Your leak can be something as easy as a drain port in a power steering cooler or a hole in a hose.Get on your belly and look everywhere.Good luck. CC

 

[jdcook]

Re: water leak

Engine temp is at 160 degrees.<br />I just need to spend some time looking for the leak, i had my muffs on the other day but it was too dark to see much, next time i am out i will check again. I will keep posting.<br />Thanks for everyones help!

 

[MrBill]

Re: water leak

Obviously you'll check all the rubber hoses for leaks, etc. while it's running. If you're checking with muffs and can't find a leak then head for the exhaust fittings. Without the boat being in the water there'd be no back pressure from water in the exhaust system up to water line. Also check heat exchanger...if equipped with rubber gasketed ends, could ahve dried out and be leaking. Keep us posted.

 

[flashback]

Re: water leak

JD, is the engine raw water cooled and how did you winterize it.. ? I just drain the block and manifolds. one time I missed closing one of the drains and had the same situation....good luck ...

 

[Boatist]

Re: water leak

JD COOK<br />Agree with flashback if it is the first time out this year. Check the Block drain fitting and the Manifold drain fitting also freezz plugs. Might also check engine oil just to be sure it is ok.

 

[jdcook]

Re: water leak

Went and got the boat today and put my muffs on it and fired it up. Opened the engine compartment and there were two drain plugs that were spewing water, problem solved. I felt pretty stupid, but i guess that you live and learn. I suppose it could have been a lot worse. I want to thank everyone for helping me solve this problem. I'm sure it won't be the last time.

 

[flashback]

Re: water leak

JD, thanks for the response, most everyone has done the same thing