Getting water in the big red plug. 1989 evinrude 40hp

[bagpiper13783]

1989 Evinrude 40hp on Lowe 20ft pontoon. The other day our pontoon boat wouldn’t start. It tried to, but wouldn’t turn over. In the process of checking everything I opened up the big red plug under the cowling and there was water in there. Dried it out, reconnected it and the boat ran fine. A few days later, even without rain, there was water in the plug again.

Any ideas where I could be coming from? We keep the pontoon boat in the water, docked, with the engine trimmed down and in the water. There are a few power boats that throw some waves but nothing crazy.

I’m stumped. Thanks!

 

[HotTommy]

I'll take a wild guess. if this happens after you've run the engine, perhaps there is a leak in your cooling system (e.g., thermostat housing). I know nothing about your particular engine so this may be completely off base. ... Or perhaps the telltale hose (if you have one) is leaking inside the cowl.

 

[ahicks]

Is your wire harness securely fastened up out of the water ahead of the motor?