Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

[shekinah5678]

Hello

Today I took my boat out and launched it so that I could put new runners on the trailer. By the time I was done about 4 hours had passed. Some complications along the way. Anyway, when I was done I decided to take a short run in the boat before calling it a day. While out on the water I noticed that the bilge pump kicked on, somthing that never happens. When I opened the engine compartment I noticed that the engine was being sprayed with water. The engine was running fine though, no overheating or any other issues. By the time I got back to the dock it was dark and I could not see where the water was spraying from. I did notice that there was an equal amount of spray on bothe sides of the engine. Also that all of the hoses seemed cool. I did pull the drain plug and noticed a fair amount water draining when out of the water. About 2 or 3 minutes of constant flow. From reading other posts I figure it is probably time to replace the water circulating pump. Is that the most likly culprit, and would that cause the bilge to fill that much? I am planning on getting a more detailed look tommarow. I was just hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I've had the boat out sveral time this year including last week with nothing like this. Also the boat was winterized by a local marine shop last year before being stored.
The motor is a 4.3LX Mercruiser with alpha one 2nd generation outdrive.

Thanks in Advance
Brad

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

There are quite a few place that it could be coming from. Why not just fire it up when it is daylight and see for yourself?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

From reading other posts I figure it is probably time to replace the water circulating pump.

There are quite a few place that it could be coming from. Why not just fire it up when it is daylight and see for yourself?

Yep, WAY too many possibilites to guess. Certainly too early to be buying parts that may not need to be replaced. You don't need to launch the boat to find out, just start it on muffs and see what happens.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

That happened to me on my 4.3 it was a leaking power steering cooler.

 

[hoot]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

perhaps the bilge pump hose has cracked and when the pump runs, water is being sprayed under the motor. doesn't explain where the water is coming from to begin with however.

 

[shekinah5678]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

Hello Again

I did find the source of my water. It was the hose coming from the power steering cooler to the thermostat housing. The clamp that holds the cooler had loosened enough that it allowed the hose to shift forward enough to rub on the belts. The power steering cooler is kind of mounted in a difficult place under the motor mount. I think I may try to relocate it to a place more accessible and away from the belts. I'm planning to go to the auto parts store to find a replacement hose. I would think somthing of similar diameter would work since its just cool water running through it. Thanks all, for the input. I know I was a bit premature starting this thread.

Brad

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

You may want to consider the possibility that the hose clamp didn't loosen but was not done up properly from being winterized last year?

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

Like Bob said, if it was not drained before winter it may have froze and popped the end cap off of power steering cooler.. it happens alot.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

No D47...I was thinking more along the lines that they may have had that hose off to drain the cooler but didn't tighten the clamp up when they put it back together and eventually the water pressure started to push the hose off?

 

[shekinah5678]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

I?m sorry I think I was a little misleading. All of the hose clamps were on tight. There is a bracket that mounts to one of the motor mount bolts that squeezes around the power steering cooler and holds it in place. The screw that tightens that bracket around the cooler was loose enough that the ps cooler could move. I will definitely check the ps cooler for cracks or broken hardware though. Thanks again

 

[Bondo]

Re: Water Spraying on engine, Bilge area filling with water

I think I may try to relocate it to a place more accessible and away from the belts. I'm planning to go to the auto parts store to find a replacement hose. I would think somthing of similar diameter would work since its just cool water running through it.

Ayuh,....

I think you'll be Alot Happier if you get the Proper Molded Hose that Belongs there,+ Remount things where they Belong.....

I believe that iboats lists it as a Seirra brand part,+ Napa carries the same line of parts....
Of course,... Mercruiser will sell it to you...

Plain ole radiator Hose will Not bend the way it Needs to be in there...