Mercruiser 470 weep hole

[jabfd]

Hi guys so last time I took the boat out I notice antifreeze in the bilge. Checked the weep hole and it was leaking I just replace the seal the beginning of last season. Wtf. It's a steady drip my club is going to have a boat run like 10 mile total. I was think about dropping the cap down to a 7 psi. Cap in hopes it would slow the leak down let me know your thoughts also anybody running a 7 psi cap all the time on a 470 thanks Jeff

 

[stonyloam]

For one trip, 10 miles, you should probably be OK. Make sure the weep hole is clear so that the antifreeze can leak out, under no circumstances should you try to stop the flow (I am pretty sure you know that). Watch your temperature, and make sure the reservoir is full, check your oil for any hint of coolant. Use OEM seals when you do it again sigh.

 

[jabfd]

Ok I did use oem seal the first Time and I sleeved the shaft. What do you think about the lower 7 psi psi cap do you think that's a good idea to run all the time

 

[Scott Danforth]

no, running with a lower PSI cap is a bandaid fix for a leaking seal. fix the seal.

 

[stonyloam]

Agree, you may be OK for that one last trip, but you need to replace the seals. When you get it apart you should be able to see what went wrong. Make sure they are installed with the garter spring facing away from the block, toward the coolant. Good luck.

 

[jabfd]

stony that's how I installed the seals I am going to replace the seals I was just thinking if lowering the psi would make the seals last longer I only got roughly 140 hours out of these thanks for the reply back

 

[philbullet]

I use to have this trouble, did u get the triple seal?
That what I had used.

 

[stonyloam]

I don't think the pressure is going to make much difference. The pressure should make the seal better. You should be able to see any damage when you get it apart. Make sure that the sleeve is tight on the cam so coolant can't seep through that way ( highly unlikly). Did mine 10+ years ago and is still holding. Maybe just have to chalk it up to bad luck.

 

[jabfd]

Ok so I pulled it apart and the speedy sleeve was grooved and the seal was torn. I put sleeves on last time but my cam shaft wasn't really grooved it looks pretty smooth so I am thinking Iam going to replace with out the sleeves any body ever just replace seals ?

 

[stonyloam]

I did.