Water leaking into bilge???

[gtfireftr]

So I have had an annoying problem all year... Today I decided to try to figure out what the reason that I have 1.5 inches of water in my bilge....
I know rain etc. but I vacuumed out the water and started port engine, and I can see water trickling down the back of the transom... I cannot really see where it is coming from, but I was able to feel some wetness... It seems to be on the bottom of the transom assembly, but not under it... there is some sort of cavity that I can put my hand in, and it was wet in that area.... I am not sure if the shift cable bellows, or gimbal bellows would cause this or not.... it is not a great deal of water, and it only happens when the engine is running......(not sure if that indicates anything either...

 

[threejays]

I had the same issue with my 1999 290. what I found is the steering shaft seal was leaking. the job sucks but you can save a lot of money if you do it yourself.

 

[BillK2632]

Well, it could be one of three or four things:

Probably one of the bellows - they can last 5-10+ years depending on how the boat is used and stored.

- Shift cable bellows: Most likely if your 5+ years since the last time the bellows were replaced. This is the bellows that start leaking first - if the rate of the leak changes as you tilt the drive, then that is your problem. This is the bottom left of the transom assembly.

- U-Joint bellows: Again, if 5+ years since they were changed this could be it. If they are leaking that bad, you probably have damage to the gimbal bearing and or u-joints and are hearing some new noises from your outdrive. Also, the water coming in would have the gimbal bearing and spline grease mixed with it.

- Steering pin: Less likely, especially on an Alpha, but if you have some play in the steering from loose steering pin clamp bolts, the SS Steel steering pin wallows out the gimbal assembly and the steering get's loose and eventually you get a leak around the steering arm. This is at the top of the transom assembly.

- Y-Pipe: This is the exhaust pipe, shaped like a Y and connects at the bottom of the transom assembly. Over time they can deteriorate like an exhaust riser from the inside and eventually leak. Not likely, but it happens. Bottom of transom assembly.

My guess would be your shift cable bellows, I replaced mine for the first time last year, one day I noticed more water in the bilge, could see a small drip, when I raised the drive it became a steady stream. I got by a couple of more weeks (I am dry stored) until the end of the year and then replaced all three bellows, shift cable and trim sender and limit switch.

So that is where I would start.

 

[Lazy Daze]

If it truly is coming in only when the engine is running, then I'd look at the water pipe inlet area. On your t-stat housing, you'll find one hose (about 1" diameter, not the really big one) that doesn't have a mate. It's on the port side. If you follow it, this will go rearward... through a few other things... and eventually attach at the gimbal housing (big black thing on the inside of the transom). Take note that the driveshaft and coupler will be turning when the engine is running so be cautious, but look at that hose and connection when the engine is running. Look and feel for water (use a paper towel, if you want).

 

[BillK2632]

If it truly is coming in only when the engine is running, then I'd look at the water pipe inlet area. On your t-stat housing, you'll find one hose (about 1" diameter, not the really big one) that doesn't have a mate. It's on the port side. If you follow it, this will go rearward... through a few other things... and eventually attach at the gimbal housing (big black thing on the inside of the transom). Take note that the driveshaft and coupler will be turning when the engine is running so be cautious, but look at that hose and connection when the engine is running. Look and feel for water (use a paper towel, if you want).

Missed that part, Dennis probably has it if it is only when the engine is running. Bellows and steering pin would leak all the time. That would be a nice easy fix compared to the other items.