Larson with Leak Into Bilge

[Old Yeller Boater]

I've posted some other threads with fixes that are needed to my new-to-me Larson. To recap, it appears I have a blown head on my 3.7 merc. I've also got a leak into the bilge that is a fairly good flow even when the boat is just sitting in the water. It's more of a flow when wakes are hitting the back of the boat during the day and over night, when the water is calm, there's not much water being taken on at all. I'm sure the gap, whatever it is, is very close to the water line.

So...I've taken the boat to a local shop to review the problems. First off, I'm NOT very comfortable with them at this point. They've had the boat a week and called me yesterday to tell me the mechanic had the boat running for over half and hour and it was not overheating. He said they are not thinking the head is blown. They mentioned that the oil is not contaminated and it appears to be fine. I asked them if they water tested it under stress and also told them again that it's a blow between the exhaust and cooling system and not into the oil. That's based on the fact that the colling reservior is bubbling water out violently when throttled up. I had told them all this in the beginning after what you guys told me here on the forum. His response was "oh, you're right. I have that here in my written notes but we missed that". So after that numb-skull testing, I'm beginning to have my doubts.

Now on to the question. While they have it there they also told me they were able to fill the bilge area with water and can see it leaking out the back. no need to put it in the water for that part. (my initial reaction to that after the above conversation was "no duh") They asked their body guy to take a look and he said he believes the fiberglass sounds hollow. They think the leak may be related to that wrather than gimbal housing or something like that. I've set up a meeting with the mechanic and the body guy for 10 AM on Saturday so we can discuss the problems and determine a course of action.

What info could you guys give me to be prepared to talk with these guys on Saturday. I'm a shade tree mechanic. Never torn an engine down and rebuilt, but certainly handy with gaskets, etc. I'm seriously considering just taking the boat back from them and doing the head myself and then work on the leak later. But for Saturday....what should I look out for?

thanks much in advance for any input. I really do appreciate you guys and your wealth of knowledge (and patience)!!!!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Larson with Leak Into Bilge

See, boat mechanics are just regular people . . .

I think that they were eluding to transom issues when they said it 'sounds hollow' . . . that would be more structural repair rather than mechanical repair. So, be prepared to talk about transom issues, etc.

Boats do put up a fight as they get older.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Larson with Leak Into Bilge

Sound's like they made no mention of the bellow's. Water can come in through them. I'd start there.as for the transom that's a whole new ball game,take out engine,remove gimble, and start rebuilding......
Grub

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: Larson with Leak Into Bilge

Anyone with a guess as to what it might cost to have the transom rebuilt by a professional? I know there was another member who was doing it themselves. Maybe I can hire them.

I'm guessing they would not know about a bellows problem until they removed things, right? I think what they are after is if I want to pay the cost of all that work....if the boat is worth it to me. They are holding off on any head work until I can decide on the bigger picture. it would be a bit easier to work on the motor while out, so it would be a plus for them, but I know it would have to come out for any transom repairs.

Would a better first step be to remove the outdrive to determine what it's NOT (like bellows), and then remove the motor only when they are more sure it's necessary?

I know there's a lot of what-if's right now. I appreciate your thoughts!

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Larson with Leak Into Bilge

I'd pull the drive myself,put it in full forward,motor shut off!.undo the ram's,unbolt the 6 nut's and she will slide right out. The clean out the grease and gunk from the bellow's,if alot of water comes out when you pull the drive it's probbally the u-joint bellow.You can feel around and see it there are any holes in them that way.I had my shift bellow leaking last week,pulled drive and found another hole in the main bellow.Good luck,and don't be afraid to watch the videos about doing the work!
grub

And the motor don't have to come out to change the bellows...

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Larson with Leak Into Bilge

upon re-reading your first post I see they filled the boat with water to find the leak.If they filled it to much the starter more than likely got dunked,wich will cause it to go to an early grave.....

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: Larson with Leak Into Bilge

thanks. I'll look at it closely. I'd like to think they are smart enough not to do that, but..

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Larson with Leak Into Bilge

pull the drive to see if thats wet in the bellows , if not then look closely at the shift boot to see if its ripped

 

[Don S]

Re: Larson with Leak Into Bilge

Anyone with a guess as to what it might cost to have the transom rebuilt by a professional? I know there was another member who was doing it themselves. Maybe I can hire them

Might want to post that question over in the Resto forum. That kind of stuff is covered on a daily basis.

I'm guessing they would not know about a bellows problem until they removed things, right?

Simply removing the dive will answer that question. If water in the bellows, you need a new bellows.

You don't have to remove anything to determine if the transom is rotten or not. Again, the restoration forum will be a good resource for finding and repairing transom problems.