Mercruiser 140 water issue

[CryptoGhostie]

Hello all,
I am working on my 1985 mercruiser 140 hp inline 4 cylinder. I am running it on muffs in the driveway and have water coming out of the bell housing and from around the starter. Asking for help here before pulling the engine.

Questions:
- is there a bellows or hose that may be ruptured causing the issue?
- is there a freeze plug on the back of the engine covered by the bell housing that may have rusted out and could be leaking?
- worse case could it be a cracked block?

cheers!!

 

[Bt Doctur]

core plugs are usually brass so they just dont corrode,more likely push out from improper winerization procedure or cracked block. drive off, motor out flywheel cover, flywheel off and you will see the problem

 

[CryptoGhostie]

Thank you Bt Doctur! I'm pretty sure its a freeze plug that has been pushed out. I just fired it back up and I can now hear something rattling around inside the bell housing. Soooo, out the engine will come so I can get a look at it.