Alpha 1/ 3L - how much water in bilge is normal?

[hzerr]

Just had a big 100 hr service on my 3 L Merc / Alpha 1 leg, inl. replacement of slightly leaking waterpump. All bellows are apparently OK. However, after 2-3 hrs of running on harbour, when back on the ramp / trailer I can drain approx 3-5 litres of water from the bilge via the plughole...what amount is normal? I don't have any spray coming into the boat...so I assume its through the engine / leg? Otherwise I suspected it could be some other accummulated water (bilge was dry before I started)...e.g. from previous rain that might have leaked through the cover?<br /><br />What amount is normal - what could be the cause?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Alpha 1/ 3L - how much water in bilge is normal?

hello<br /> if the bilge was dry at the start. and you are not taking wet skiers and swimmers in and out it should be dry at the end of the trip. the normal places on the drive to leak are the shift cable and drive bellows. the transom shield seal can leak as well as the steering shaft seals. on the engine side the exhaust pipe seal and the circulating pump as well as any other water hose.<br /> eliminate the simple stuff first<br /> good luck and keep posting<br /> PS the circ pumps on the 3.0 were notorious for leaking. inspect the vent hole carefully with a mirror and a strong light. any rust or rust tracks indicate a leak. its easier to replace the circ pump than replace the timing cover and the circ pump.

 

[djvan]

Re: Alpha 1/ 3L - how much water in bilge is normal?

I'm no mechanic but maybe try to run it on muffs for awhile, if no water in, you could rule out the cooling system.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[hondon]

Re: Alpha 1/ 3L - how much water in bilge is normal?

Since this is a new package, I would be looking at both the power package and the boat itself with the same scriutiny.As for the boat ,bow eyes, thru hull fittings, boat plug fitting, bad seams or welds,etc etc, can cause a leak.Power package side, a transom seal not torqued properly or the o ring displaced on installation, leaking at the water pump inlet at the transom,poor shift cable or u joint bellows seal,poor y pipe seal,also etc,etc.A gallon in that amount of time is a little substantial and you should be able to find it ,whatever the source ,pretty easily.