Does anyone have an idea what may be causing this leak? Help a newbie out

[Stagger]

I have a steady leak in my boat into the bilge, the pump kicks on once an hour or so to expel the water. Its a 2003 260 DA. I have no idea what maintenance has been done to it when, I only purchased it about a month ago. This is my first boat, so i still have a lot to learn. I know its a slim chance to try and identify a leak from a video, but if anyone has any ideas they would be greatly appreciated. It leaks whether the engine is running or not. Thank You!

 

[scoflaw]

Obviously the water pump. Too dark to see that spot

 

[Stagger]

Obviously the water pump. Too dark to see that spot

That was my first thought, but would that leak like that even when the boat isnt running? i mean its just sitting idle in the slip, the water pump isnt pumping.

 

[SloBurn]

Yup water pump bushing, easy fix-replace water pump. The leak should stop after sitting for some time, there's quite a bit of water higher than this spot, so it leaks until water drains.

 

[scoflaw]

apparently, didn't you have an overheat issue as well?

 

[Stagger]

apparently, didn't you have an overheat issue as well?

Not that im aware of

 

[Stagger]

Yup water pump bushing, easy fix-replace water pump. The leak should stop after sitting for some time, there's quite a bit of water higher than this spot, so it leaks until water drains.

How long does that take? The engine hasnt ran in at least 36 hours

 

[scoflaw]

Newb's should take advice. You need a pump.

 

[Stagger]

Newb's should take advice. You need a pump.

Oh i am, im going to change it out. And thats the engine water pump right, not the seawater pump? if im saying that correctly. Im very grateful thats what it is, seems like best case scenario to me as far as ease and cost

 

[scoflaw]

Raw water pump and if that's a gen 7 brass pump they arn't cheap. Look up the part number on this site and then shop around. mercruiserparts.com put in your engine number.

 

[Stagger]

Raw water pump and if that's a gen 7 brass pump they arn't cheap. Look up the part number on this site and then shop around. mercruiserparts.com put in your engine number.

Thank you, I appreciate it

 

[Mig22]

Pull it off tear it down inspect for any internal damage to the housing ...if none you may just need a rebuild kit (bearings, seals, impeller) vs. the alternative of a $$ new pump

 

[Stagger]

Pull it off tear it down inspect for any internal damage to the housing ...if none you may just need a rebuild kit (bearings, seals, impeller) vs. the alternative of a $$ new pump

That would be great. Hopefully I can pull it out sometime next week

 

[Espos4]

That would be great. Hopefully I can pull it out sometime next week

I hope you have shore power. If you are missing a few vanes on the Impeller, that could easily be sea water leaking in, not just the residual water in the block leaking down.

Frequent bilge pump operation over a weeks time can kill the battery, then you might find yourself underwater.

 

[Espos4]

Oh i am, im going to change it out. And thats the engine water pump right, not the seawater pump? if im saying that correctly. Im very grateful thats what it is, seems like best case scenario to me as far as ease and cost

That is your sea water pump.

 

[Stagger]

I hope you have shore power. If you are missing a few vanes on the Impeller, that could easily be sea water leaking in, not just the residual water in the block leaking down.

Frequent bilge pump operation over a weeks time can kill the battery, then you might find yourself underwater.

I do have shore power

 

[Bt Doctur]

water pump front seal or the remains of a broken blue drain plug

 

[Golfman25]

Close the sea cock. Water should stop.

 

[liv2ryde100]

raw water pump as stated above. could be leaking from right behind the pulley, but looks to me more like u have a freeze out plug that popped. could also be a hose leaking. if its a freeze out plug good for u cause thats about 3$. buy a couple and have as spares. if its leaking from the pulley u cant opt to replace the front half of the pump. that saves some money. theres also two vacuum hoses on there but ive not heard of them going bad.hope this helps. if u need to buy the front half of the pump it comes with a new impellor.

 

[Stagger]

raw water pump as stated above. could be leaking from right behind the pulley, but looks to me more like u have a freeze out plug that popped. could also be a hose leaking. if its a freeze out plug good for u cause thats about 3$. buy a couple and have as spares. if its leaking from the pulley u cant opt to replace the front half of the pump. that saves some money. theres also two vacuum hoses on there but ive not heard of them going bad.hope this helps. if u need to buy the front half of the pump it comes with a new impellor.

Thank you, ill def check that plug out