Missed an outdrive drain in prior years on 89 OMC Cobra

[jspringator]

Apparently I missed a drain screw on my 89 OMC Cobra in the past couple of years. I was locating the drains with the drive DOWN, and one of them (starboard side) is not accessible unless the drive is UP.

I've been getting warm water in the bilge and can't figure out where it is coming from. What are the ramifications of failure to remove this drain?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Missed an outdrive drain in prior years on 89 OMC Cobra

If there was water in a cavity you could get freeze damage to the housing.

The water in your bilge is likely a different issue and sounds to me like water from a leaking core plug, cracked block/manifold or leaking hose.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Missed an outdrive drain in prior years on 89 OMC Cobra

That small drain would hold a small amount of water.People have missed this a lot.
Fortunately it's in an area that's pretty strong and usually no damage is done.
Shouldn't leak into the engine compartment.
It's possible(bruce covered it) and it's possible the down tube at the bottom, the seal/o-ring is leaking?
Put it in the water and get a good light and a mirror on a stick and get under the motor as far as you can and see if you can see it leaking as it runs.
The casting plugs(freeze plugs) could have popped out too that and the down tube will mean the motors gotta come out.

 

[jspringator]

Re: Missed an outdrive drain in prior years on 89 OMC Cobra

Would I be able to find the leak at idle? I am afraid to get too close to the engine department at speed.

 

[jspringator]

Re: Missed an outdrive drain in prior years on 89 OMC Cobra

It's possible(bruce covered it) and it's possible the down tube at the bottom, the seal/o-ring is leaking?
Put it in the water and get a good light and a mirror on a stick and get under the motor as far as you can and see if you can see it leaking as it runs.
The casting plugs(freeze plugs) could have popped out too that and the down tube will mean the motors gotta come out.

I feel certain it is the downtube. It didn't start until I had the long block put in. This summer I'll get it fixed.