Water in starter????

[dwm0204]

I have a 1995 volvo fi 5.0 engine. I noticed a small but continous dribble of water coming from the bottom of the engine. I put my finger under what I beleive is the starter and felt the water. The housing felt like it was corroded and I felt a small hole. When I put my finger in that hole the water stopped. I am very confused. Are marine starters water cooled or where can the water be coming from. Unfortunately there isn't enough room to actually see under and the back of the engine to verify that it is actually the starter? Can anybody help shed some light on this????

 

[Maclin]

Re: Water in starter????

The starter is not water cooled.

Does this happen after running in the water? Or just sitting in the water? Does it happen while running on muffs on the trailer?

If it happens on the trailer when running on muffs it could be a core plug on the block leaking on the back inside the bellhousing and coming out there.

If it never happens when running on the muffs but only while in the water then it could be a compromised drive bellows letting water into the bellhousing and it leaks out there.

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in starter????

Find a qualified Volvo Penta marine tech. I don't think you have the abilities to troubleshoot and cure the problems you have.
You obviously have the 290 style drive with probably a bad bellows, water into the flywheel cover and it's bearings. which takes an engine removal to fix.
Since you aren't sure what the starter looks like or where it's located, you are now way past a DIY job.