Where is the leak coming from?

[medunwoody@aol.com]

I have a 1976 mercruiser 302 with a 888 sterndrive. Several hours after putting the boat in the water, there will be several inches of water in the bottom of the boat. This leak has been occuring ever since I have owned the boat. Just recently I have replaced the shift cable and the exhaust and u-joint bellows. Unfortunately this didn't fix the leak. Does anyone know where else water could be leaking into the boat?

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Where is the leak coming from?

It is probably coming in around the transom if the bellows are good

 

[medunwoody@aol.com]

Re: Where is the leak coming from?

Could that much water leak into the boat around the transom and sterndrive even if there is some kind of sealant around it?

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Where is the leak coming from?

Mine leaks about an inch or so too. Wait, you said several. I would bet on the the transom seal. My dad has the same problem and thats what it was. <br /><br />BTW Mark, where are you in Missouri?

 

[Don S]

Re: Where is the leak coming from?

Did you replace the shift cable bellows when you replaced the cable? That's a common place for leaks also.<br />The reality of it is this. YOU must find the leak or you are going to be replacing everything on the back of the boat.<br />We had a boat in the shop about 2 months ago that had been leaking for years. Pulled the engine, put the drive back on and found 4 leaks other than from the drive area. The drive area also had one leak where the exhaust Y mounted onto the transom shield.<br />You might try getting mirrors and flashlights and if all else failes pull the engine and check as we did. But find the leak first before you fix anything.

 

[medunwoody@aol.com]

Re: Where is the leak coming from?

Yes, I did replace the shift cable bellow when I replaced the shift cable. If it was leaking around the y-pipe, wouldn't you hear the exhaust under the engine cover?

 

[Don S]

Re: Where is the leak coming from?

Probably not. The water would muffle the sound.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Where is the leak coming from?

Just to add to Don S possible causes for a leak, check the steering tiller there is a seal and also check the speedo tube.