Tips for locating water leak

[lachrimae]

Hi everybody,

I'm taking the boat to the lake tomorrow to try to find a leak and would appreciate any tips on where to look or how to isolate the issue.
I had the boat on the water a few days back and was slowly taking on water in the engine compartment but couldn't find a leak without lights and mirrors. Fortunately there are no signs of water in the oil...

Today I tested for leaks with muffs and don't have any leaks when the boat is out of the water (I tested with the boat running in neutral, forward & reverse in case that makes a difference).

Are these the likely leak sources?
- Shift cable bellows
- U-joint bellows
- Exhaust to Gimbal Housing gasket?
- Other?

Thanks!
Mark

1997 Wellcraft Excel
Alpha I Gen II (0K057217)
MCM 5.7L (0K149129)

 

[synergy141]

Re: Tips for locating water leak

The 2 areas I would focus on are the U Joint bellows and the Shift Cable Bellows. If they had a hole in them they are the ones that would bring water into the boat.The exhaust bellows would not allow water in at all. Do you know when they were replaced last?

 

[lachrimae]

Re: Tips for locating water leak

Well, it's been at least 6 years since any of the bellows have been replaced. The boat has been sitting for 5 years and I just recently changed the impeller and a few gaskets before putting her in the water again. I had a look at the bellows when the drive was off and didn't notice any issues but it was pretty hard to check properly...

 

[brhodes]

Re: Tips for locating water leak

Could be the bellows, I got rid of 90% of the water in my bilge by doing the bellows (hole in u-joint, couldn't see without the drive turned a certain angle, looking at just the right place). Now I have a slow leak I am hunting down, suspecting back at the exhaust. If you have a leak in the u-joint bellows, should be able to see water coming in near the driveshaft from inside the boat, may get worse if turned to one side or the other if the hole is on the side of the bellows. I am new to boating, but this is what happened to me. Just my 0.02. Good luck

 

[lachrimae]

Re: Tips for locating water leak

I think I found the source of the leak. I raised the front of the boat and began filling the bilge with water and found this leak coming out around this part of the transom:

I guess I'll start by tightening the bolts and trying to check for transom rot... Any other suggestions?

There are no signs of water or tears in the shift cable or u-joint bellows...

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Chuckyd973]

Re: Tips for locating water leak

Check the bolts for the transom mount.....I had some just loosen up....few turns of the wrench and im dry again..

Chuck