Mercruiser 4.3MPI 2011 Leaking from bowl where cooling hoses go into

[Streeter]

In front of the spark plug #1 where you have to disconnect the water hose to get to plug. The bowl is leaking and it just spins with both hoses off. I'm not sure what this part is but it is a problem and I tried to unscrew it but it just spins. Probably a gasket but no idea what to do.

 

[Fun Times]

In front of the spark plug #1 where you have to disconnect the water hose to get to plug. The bowl is leaking and it just spins with both hoses off. I'm not sure what this part is but it is a problem and I tried to unscrew it but it just spins. Probably a gasket but no idea what to do.

Coming off the exhaust manifold it looks like?

See check ball fitting item numbers 8 - 11, https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31503/13808/170

Number 8 being the complete item...Click # 8 to see it.

4.3L MPI ALPHA/BRAVO - 0W658583 THRU 0W658583

4.3L MPI ALPHA/BRAVO - 0W658583 THRU 0W658583

www.mercruiserparts.com

 

[Streeter]

That does look like that part (11) So it could just be (9) seal leaking? How do I get that off of it doesn't screw off? Is it a pry off? Or did the threads get stripped? I don't want to mess with (8) since that feels like it is solid with the manifold. #11 is what just spins around. I don't want to pry it off if it is supposed to be threaded. Thank you

 

[dubs283]

How do I get that off of it doesn't screw off? Is it a pry off?

I believe the fitting is one assembly even though the schematic breaks it down into several parts.

#8 portion of the assembly threads into the bottom of the manifold and #9-11 are attached to it. Pretty sure it's "non serviceable" and requires the entire assembly be replaced.

The assembly is part of the single point drain system which some here believe does not work well and can lead to freeze damage. Personally I've never had freeze damage but I do pop the quick connections at the engine block during winterize as a safety measure. Having a decent knowledge of how much water should drain from the entire raw water system helps as well, ymmv

 

[Streeter]

OK, makes sense. If I unthread the whole assembly and put in new one, do you use any type of thread dope and I assume just keep tightening until you can't anymore and aligns the hoses correctly? I was thinking of trying to pry it apart to see if there is junk in there hitting the Oring but at leas now I could use the boat with a leak vs waiting weeks with it broken and no parts. Locally there is nothing and one guy looked and said warehouse (merc) is out of stock. So replacing may not be an option unless I can find one in stock.

 

[Fun Times]

The new one should come with the red sealant already applied.
Do you do Ebay at all shipped to your door?, https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...ce=c&msclkid=0cfaad0fd5c2192bb8b0c95833c194e7


Here's what the lower connector number 11 (862994T)
looks like inside,

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[Streeter]

Well, I put it all back together since it was a very nice day and I wanted to see if the plug change fixed the issue of not being able to get on plane or over 4000 RPM. I'd have to say it was a huge success. I don't see the part leaking so far- maybe because I rotated it so many times and maybe jarred anything in the seal loose. The boat acts like a new kid. I haven't felt this holeshot in a few years. I bought it 3.5 years ago right around covid (2011 Hurricane) and had no idea on the service history. It ran fine until mid-last summer and then it was dragging and hesitating bad when trying to tube. Just got worse until now. So when in doubt, change the plugs! Thanks for the help!