twerth
Cadet
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2018
- Messages
- 15
My boat has a new problem, or combination of problems I'm hoping to get some thoughts on. 2003 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha 1 Gen 2. The boat's new to me (bought it last fall), and the first several times I had it out, the bilge stayed almost completely dry. But when returning from the last couple of trips to the lake, I noticed that I'd drain 1-2 quarts of water when I removed the plug. And to make matters worse, there was oil in the water.
My hull is solid so I suspected a leak in the cooling system as the water source. I put a piece of masking paper under the engine over night to check for leaks. No oil drips from the engine, so I suspected and confirmed that it's gear lube.
I ran it on the hose in the driveway and I was able find a steady drip at the left rear of the engine behind the exhaust pipe. It appears to be clean water only. I can't see exactly where it's coming from because the exhaust is in the way, so if there are usual suspects in that area, I'd be interested to hear it. FWIW, the manifold gasket and the exhaust elbow gasket are both new.
The source of gear lube in the bilge was still a mystery, so I drained it. The lube was fresh this spring, but what came out looked like a milkshake. So I still don't know how the gear lube is getting out, but water's also getting in.
End of the day, I suspect I've got two separate issues here, but I'd love to hear what people with more boat experience think. Appreciate any input and/or ideas on things to check.
My hull is solid so I suspected a leak in the cooling system as the water source. I put a piece of masking paper under the engine over night to check for leaks. No oil drips from the engine, so I suspected and confirmed that it's gear lube.
I ran it on the hose in the driveway and I was able find a steady drip at the left rear of the engine behind the exhaust pipe. It appears to be clean water only. I can't see exactly where it's coming from because the exhaust is in the way, so if there are usual suspects in that area, I'd be interested to hear it. FWIW, the manifold gasket and the exhaust elbow gasket are both new.
The source of gear lube in the bilge was still a mystery, so I drained it. The lube was fresh this spring, but what came out looked like a milkshake. So I still don't know how the gear lube is getting out, but water's also getting in.
End of the day, I suspect I've got two separate issues here, but I'd love to hear what people with more boat experience think. Appreciate any input and/or ideas on things to check.