Mercruiser Alpha Drive Leaking Water in Engine Compartment

[ballengator]

All:

My engine has begun leaking water when running from the right side of the compartment as you face the stern of the boat. Please note that the water only leaks when the engine is running - you can see the leak from high in the compartment about mid way back on the right side. The boat was not used much by it's former owner (original owner - only 100 hours on motor when we purchased) so I suspect it is possibly a dry rotted hose or loose clamp. Motor itself is still running strong with no indication of loss of compression or engine overheating. The engine compartment is very tight (Maxum 1900 SR) and it is difficult to reach back and tell where it is coming from.

Your thoughts and suggestions on possible issue and resolution appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha Drive Leaking Water in Engine Compartment

... from the right side of the compartment as you face the stern of the boat....

So, you're talking about the port side?

Without getting in there and looking it's impossible for our crystal ball to work that well. It could be a loose hose on the transom, it could be a split hose... You are, at some stage, going to have to get mirrors and have a look....

Chris...........

 

[ballengator]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha Drive Leaking Water in Engine Compartment

You are correct - it is on the port side. I did poke around with a mirror and flashlight but was unable to see where the leak was originating. It is coming straight down well away from the motor on the port side - but the doggone compartment is so tight and my monkee arms are so big that I cannot get far enough in to effectively tell what's happening. How in the heck you access the thing to work on it is beyond me.

This is my first I/O...and although it has run well for about a year until now I am starting to long for the days of an outboard...

Thanks for your input. I am hoping to save myself a trip to the shop but not sure there is any way around it given access to the unit.

Thanks again!

 

[qystan]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha Drive Leaking Water in Engine Compartment

There is a 1/8" through hole in the transom assy on the port side next to the drive shaft that connects to the engine coupler.

If water is getting into the u-joint bellows it will enter the boat through this hole.

Take a look at the u-joint bellow.