Water in bilge

[jayesq]

Have a 1999 scr 3000 and am getting significant water under the starboard engine in the bilge. This problem has now entered its second season. The gimbal housing and transom bracket were replaced this off season. Manifolds and risers are new. I am stumped. Looking for any ideas. It seems to take on water when boat is loaded and high rpms. Mechanic and I on boat no leak. Going 2200 rpm with load no leak. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

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[mmwjr]

Lay down some oil absorbent pads under the engine to determine the general location. Could be raw water inlet hose, bad freeze plug, ...

Using a pro cam stick to allow you to film when on plane may help.

[jayesq]

Thanks I am going to try a camera. The pads won't work bc it literally is gallons coming in not little drips.

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[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by jayesq

Thanks I am going to try a camera. The pads won't work bc it literally is gallons coming in not little drips.

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If it's that much water any mechanic worth half his weight should be able to find the leak easily.

[jayesq]

The very specific circumstances make it difficult to find. Having a full load on the boat and access to the bilge is not easy. In the slip at idle not a drop of water. I ordered a camera last week with a monitor so as soon as that comes hopefully there will be an answer.

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[jparsons121]

I use baby powder to find pesky leaks.

"Puff" powder on areas that you want to check.
Be sure to include areas around the transom plate.

Powder will wash off once the diagnostics are done.

John

[Phillbo]

Is it salt water or fresh? Warm or cold?

[mmwjr]

When you say "The gimbal housing and transom bracket were replaced this off season" are you saying the entire inner and outer transom assembly?

Since it takes X number of passengers and high rpms where are the passengers seated? Sounds like more aft weight and the stern settling down which would mean either the transom assembly is further under water and leaking or its seal the boats transom is leaking in the upper area.

[jayesq]

Both were replaced. The seal around the upper steering shaft was bad and the gimball housing was corroded. Engine was moved and the inner transom bracket was replaced as well. All new bellows.

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[jayesq]

Salt water in New Jersey.

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[Phillbo]

I mean the water in the bilge, is it salt or fresh and is it warm or cold.

If cold salt it's a leak, if warm salt it's a engine cooling system leak. If cold and fresh it a leak in the fresh water system.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by jayesq

Both were replaced. The seal around the upper steering shaft was bad and the gimball housing was corroded. Engine was moved and the inner transom bracket was replaced as well. All new bellows.

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Did they inspect the transom for rot while doing the work? Some folks have had rot and the transom will flex under load and leak.

[jayesq]

They checked the transom it was solid. The cut out was sealed as well. The water is salt lukewarm temp. I haven't taken an actual temperature reading on it.

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[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by jayesq

They checked the transom it was solid. The cut out was sealed as well. The water is salt lukewarm temp. I haven't taken an actual temperature reading on it.

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Being salt says it's raw water and being lukewarm says it's at least after the power steering cooling and oil cooler is equipped but before the engine.

[cbswaim]

This sounds like a bellows is due for replacement. As the rubber gets brittle, small cracks form and leak. I wouldn't wait long to pull the boat to trace this.

[jayesq]

Bellows are brand new just replaced and the problem was occurring last year before they were replaced. When the gimbal housing and interior transom bracket was replaced this spring we did all new didn't reuse anything.

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[Phillbo]

Originally Posted by cbswaim

This sounds like a bellows is due for replacement. As the rubber gets brittle, small cracks form and leak. I wouldn't wait long to pull the boat to trace this.

Water coming in the bellows would be water temp. not warmed.Not the bellows.

You have a clamp leaking.. tighten them all.

[Calguy]

I have a 2400 SCR that had major leaking issues few years ago. Mercruiser Bravo 2. Turned out to be the small shift cable bellows. If it breaks it can cause leaking. It is difficult to find that kind of leak.

[jayesq]

Thank you. I have replaced the bellows this season and the leak started last year

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[jayesq]

Originally Posted by jayesq

Thank you. I have replaced the bellows this season and the leak started last year

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I went out with the mechanic yesterday. Had 320 lbs of concrete and filled a cooler with water to replicate the weight I usually have on board. I ran it wide open with the mechanic in the bilge and we found the leak. The rub rail at the swim platform was separated from the hull. When I was going on plane the whole section was going under water and it is coming in the joint between the top and bottom halves of the hull which is usually covered by the rub rail. The mechanic couldn't believe how much water was pouring in. I attached a picture. Thank you for all your thoughts.

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