87 Chris Craft I/O sources of water intrusion?

[clattin]

Ive got an 87 Chris Craft 187 LTD BR with the Mercruiser 5 liter and Alpha One lower unit. I've been getting quite a lot of water coming into the bilge where the bilge pump is running every few minutes. I thought for sure I was going to find ripped or cracked bellows but I got back there with a flashlight and inspection mirror and the bellows appear to be in great condition. The pipe clamps appear to be tight. Where else could be causing that much water to be getting into the bilge?? Drain plug is in. The speedometer cable and depth finder cable are sealed well. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Chris

 

[Chris1956]

Bellows were no 1 suspect. Other suspects are Y pipe joint, raw water hose, leaking circulation pump, leaking riser hose or gasket, leaking thermostat housing or large hose from pump to block.

Block drains and manifold/riser drains are not leaking?

 

[Chris1956]

Also, power steering cooler can leak

 

[JASinIL2006]

Other possibility is a compromised seal between the gimbal housing and the transom.

A cell phone on a selfie stick can be very handy to track down water coming when you're afloat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

being a 1987..... look at the integrity of the transom

 

[mr 88]

Shift cable bellows was also checked ? When was the last time these two bellows were changed ? The best way to check your main bellows is with your fingers , which means pulling the boat and popping the drive off. Your flashlight and mirror techniques are not quite 100 % accurate for various reasons.