2001 Mercruiser 5.7 Liter Water Leak at Front Starboard Motor Mount

[BusterDrake]

I have a large stream of water flowing out from beneath the front starboard motor mount when the engine is running. Checked the water hose that passes through the fuel filter bracket that is attached to the engine near the motor mount and it was ok. This was the first time the boat had been in the water and all drain plugs were removed during the winter. The engine block drain plug is on the opposite side of the engine from the leak. The boat was stored with this drain plug on the low side of the garage to aide in water drainage. There seems to be an opening of some sort in the engine block behind this motor mount and the water seams to be coming from this opening. I can't see this opening behind the motor mount and I can barely get a finger in behind the motor mount. The stream of water is almost like a water hose running. Does anyone have any idea where this water leak is coming from or if there are anymore hoses in this area that I can't see?

 

[BusterDrake]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 Liter Water Leak at Front Starboard Motor Mount

Thanks. I hope that is all that is broken. What steps need to be taken to replace the freeze plug? Is this freeze plug in a location that I can replace it myself or do you recommend that I take it to a mechanic? I could only find one drain plug on the port side of the engine block.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 Liter Water Leak at Front Starboard Motor Mount

The engine block drain plug is on the opposite side of the engine from the leak.

Ayuh,... All V-motors have a Drain on Each side,....
That 1 is Just ahead of the starter, down Low on the Block...

As noted by Bubba,.... If it's Only the Coreplug that was Blown out,...
You're Danm Lucky...

It sounds like it's probably More than you what to take on yourself,...
The motor has to be Atleast jacked up, the mount removed, coreplug installed, reassembled,+ probably Should pull the drive to realign the motor....

 

[Polar_Bus]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 Liter Water Leak at Front Starboard Motor Mount

I have a large stream of water flowing out from beneath the front starboard motor mount when the engine is running. Checked the water hose that passes through the fuel filter bracket that is attached to the engine near the motor mount and it was ok. This was the first time the boat had been in the water and all drain plugs were removed during the winter. The engine block drain plug is on the opposite side of the engine from the leak. The boat was stored with this drain plug on the low side of the garage to aide in water drainage. There seems to be an opening of some sort in the engine block behind this motor mount and the water seams to be coming from this opening. I can't see this opening behind the motor mount and I can barely get a finger in behind the motor mount. The stream of water is almost like a water hose running. Does anyone have any idea where this water leak is coming from or if there are anymore hoses in this area that I can't see?

Like the other marine gurus have stated you have a blown freeze plug. The plug rersides right behind the motor mount bracket. In my experiences there is NO way you will be able to accurately drive in a new plug with the engine installed. You will need a special driver, and a large hammer, AND adequate room to swing the hammer. Obviously remember you need a brass plug in a marine application, so don't drive in a cheap steel automotive plug! You might be able to get a good whack and drive in a softer brass plug, but it's a longshot installed in a boat..

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 Liter Water Leak at Front Starboard Motor Mount

Here's a pic showing the plug under where the mount bolts:

But like the others have said, I'm afraid you will find your problem is much bigger than how to reinstall a freeze plug.

 

[BusterDrake]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 Liter Water Leak at Front Starboard Motor Mount

Thanks for all of the info. I am going to take it to the mechanic and pray it doesn't break the bank. Anyone have a ballpark price on what pulling the engine and replacing the freeze plug should set me back? If the problem is worse than expected what would a new block run with labor to fix everything?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 Liter Water Leak at Front Starboard Motor Mount

Too many variables to even go for a ball park estimate - boats are all different. Some have quick and easy access... while others require major disassembly just to get to the engine.

If it turns out that your block is cracked, then I would suggest going with a new short block from Chevy. Do a search and you will find quite a few choices and prices. But.... hopefully you dodged the bullet.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 Liter Water Leak at Front Starboard Motor Mount

with labor

Ayuh,.... It Depends,....

It Depends on your local labor rates,...
And,...
It Depends on how Much of your boat is built Around the motor....