Taking on water with outdrive raised.

sailor3X7

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
140
(1969 Glastron - Mercruiser 160 hp straight 6)<br />I have noticed that as soon as I launch the boat I have some water in the bilge. But it does not seem to continue to come in.<br /><br />I have recently discovered it only leaks when the outdrive is up. (That explains the water in the bilge immediatly after launching.)<br /><br />Isn't there a rubber cover for the gimbal bearing? Damage to that is my suspicion.<br />I did notice that there is a control cable back in there that has a torn boot. I don't know if that would allow water into the bilge or not.<br /><br />I am looking for opinions about what might cause water to leak in with the lower unit up - and for it to stop leaking when the lower unit is down.<br />Thanks,<br />jerry
 

Wellcraft 89

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2002
Messages
158
Re: Taking on water with outdrive raised.

on a 1969 boat if you have not replaced all the bellows before.Do it it now <br />The bellows open up when outdrive is rasied .<br />It can be done by yourself if your pretty good with tools.if not let someone else do it it can be a pita<br /><br />Rich
 

sailor3X7

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
140
Re: Taking on water with outdrive raised.

Thanks Rich. I bought the boat last summer and I am the third owner. I am not sure what has been done. I replaced the exhaust tube earlier this summer because it was leaking. If all the rubber elements are the same age the exhaust tube was they could all be bad. When I pull the lower unit, I plan to replace anything rubber I can find while it is pulled. Thanks again for your reply.<br />jerry
 

cuzner

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Messages
771
Re: Taking on water with outdrive raised.

Keep an eye on the oil in your stern drive.... I learned the hard way, if shift boot is leaking and allows water in it can be hell on bearings + u-joints.<br /><br /> Jim
 

sailor3X7

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
140
Re: Taking on water with outdrive raised.

Thanks for the advice Jim. I actually discovered the leak while checking the oil. I raised the outdrive and backed it up to a grassy beach to check and add a little gear oil. When the bilge started pumping I opened the engine compartment and heard the water coming in. While I have it torn apart I will replace all seals too. Hopefully that will take care of the oil I seem to be loosing too.<br />I just hope all of this is not over my head mechanically.<br />jerry
 

placebo

Seaman
Joined
Jun 11, 2004
Messages
63
Re: Taking on water with outdrive raised.

It's better to be over your head in the shop than in the water.<br /><br />David
 

sailor3X7

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
140
Re: Taking on water with outdrive raised.

Well, you definatly have a point there.<br />It's a good time of year for it too. I am probably through for the season and will have a lot of time to get ready for next year.
 
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