Mercruiser Alpha Drive (1994 4.3 engine): Cant find source of water leak into b

[gio@sprynet.com]

Need some advise on how to fix the problem of a water leak into my boat through the Outdrive/Gimble. Engine is 1994 Mercruiser 4.3 V6 with 1994 Alpha outdrive (Alpha II?). We just did an engine swap, and put the boat into the water for the first time, and immediately about 1/2 gallon a minute water leak was visible pouring through the hull in the center of the outdrive about 4"-8" below the main drive shaft. When we pulled the boat out of the water, it appeared that water was comming back out through the RH side exhaust port? ( 1" hole on lower outdrive, which appeared to have a small 3/4" round, rubber coated metal "flapper" or door. Note: the LH exhaust port did not have this small door). My mechanic was in the boat when this leak occured. He was afraid the engine/outdrive and maybe the gimble will have to be removed to fix this leak. Can anyone provide some advise on what may be causing this large leak, or what to check? Is there a seal or mechanism we can check and repair with the outdrive in place or the outdrive removed without removing the engine and gimble? Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha Drive (1994 4.3 engine): Cant find source of water leak in

Re: Mercruiser Alpha Drive (1994 4.3 engine): Cant find source of water leak in

If you just put the transom shield in, make sure the exhaust Y is up against the transom shield. On some engine swaps I've see the edge of the transom cutout will hit the exhaust tube and not allow the tube to be tight up against the transom shild.