Glow stick test

Bryce2004

Cadet
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
14
Guys I have a 2007 Mariah 3.0 mercruiser, I have a leak that I just cant locate. I was thinking since I work nights can I purchase 5-10 glow sticks and cut them open and place in 5 gallons of water then dump the solution in my bilge and look for the leaks at night. Would this solution hurt anything or please offer other ideas
 

Black as

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 22, 2010
Messages
417
Re: Glow stick test

That's a good one:rolleyes:................................Why not just fill it with water because if its leaking it will have to come out somewhere
 

Bryce2004

Cadet
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
14
Re: Glow stick test

That's a good one:rolleyes:................................Why not just fill it with water because if its leaking it will have to come out somewhere

Black as I do agree with you , but due to my work schedule I'm up at night, I was just thinking the glow in the water would help pinpoint the leak a little better
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,185
Re: Glow stick test

Is the motor leaking or the boat?
Boat:silicone all fittings on the outside of the boat.I had a boat that the drain for the baitwell was missing silicone on the bottom of the drain.I couldn't see it but it leaked enough water that the pump came on every 5 min.
Motor: put it in the water and look for it.
 

rickryder

Commander
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
2,722
Re: Glow stick test

Do you work 7 nights a week? or do you have a day off? I don't think that stuff will make 5 gallons of water glow if it's diluted....
We need more info on when this water is getting in the boat.....when it sitting in the water,when running? Have you tried running on muffs to see if it's a leak in the motor only? Could be bellows....leaking screws or anything thats thru the hull......
 

seaboo

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2008
Messages
300
Re: Glow stick test

Just a different idea, I know a glowing trail would be easier to spot, but how about pond coloring (they sell the "dye" at Lowes, garden centers ect.). One drop makes like 300 gallons of water a DARK blue....A DARK blue trail should be easy to spot, it is environmentally friendly, and water soluable (although granted, like food color it will take alot of water to get it all gone). Plus it will make garage floor cleanup easier I would assume.
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
Re: Glow stick test

Just a different idea, I know a glowing trail would be easier to spot, but how about pond coloring (they sell the "dye" at Lowes, garden centers ect.). One drop makes like 300 gallons of water a DARK blue....A DARK blue trail should be easy to spot, it is environmentally friendly, and water soluable (although granted, like food color it will take alot of water to get it all gone). Plus it will make garage floor cleanup easier I would assume.

We put that in our pond last year and boy does it stain anything it touches. I gotta think you would have some unintended consequences.
 
Top