Mystery Hole In Transom

[lindleyD]

I've inherited a 1981-82 Ranger 375 VO from my grandfather. I recently took it out for a shake down after getting the engine (485 Mercruiser 4 Cylinder) running, changed oil, plugs, coolant, checked wiring, new batteries, etc... however I noticed water coming in through a small hole in the upper middle part of the transom once I got it into the water. Wasn't doing it with the rabbit ears on What could this be from? Weep hole? Seal gone bad? Trying to figure it out but I cannot see it in any schematic. All help is greatly appreciated. Tried to load an image but for some reason it will not let me, any tips there as well please advise, thanks

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

Click Forum Help in my sig below and look at the photo tutorial. You need to have 3 posts in the bank before you can post in the 4th. Don't use Photobucket to host pics, they recently made a change that stops photo display in forums and elsewhere.

Upper middle isn't saying much, although no leaks on muffs kind of says it's lake water and it could be seals or even the transom. Pics will help when you can post them.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

with this new to you boat, did you replace the bellows, gimbal bearing, and impeller?

could be leaking bellows
could be rotten transom
could be leaking from somewhere else

make a few more posts and you can upload pics starting with post #4

 

[Bt Doctur]

Directly above the input shaft= main bellow
To the left= shift bellow
below the shaft,= main bellow, exaust pipe, transom

 

[lindleyD]

Yeah its most likely the bellows because I can see one is partially ripped. The transom itself isn't leaking and its not leaking from anywhere else that i can see. I'll make a few more posts and post an image. Thank you

 

[lindleyD]

"Directly above the input shaft= main bellow
To the left= shift bellow
below the shaft,= main bellow, exaust pipe, transom"

Yes, its above the input shaft but to the left of the shift shaft when looking towards the bow of the boat. I am thinking the main bellow, but they both need replaced anyways. Here we go! Spent 10 years in the Coast Guard never paying a dime to drive boats now its my turn to Break Out Another THousand! Thanks

 

[lindleyD]

No Title

Pictures! First is the actual picture of the hole, and second is just a shot of the aft section of the boat so you see what i am working with. Thanks for everyone's assistance! Any and all advice is appreciated. I'll be looking to do a full inspect of the bearings etc. My question is, what is the reason for this hole? Just to let me know my bellows are ripped and I am possibly damaging my gimbal bearing? I do see that one of my bellows is ripped however I'm willing to bet that I was the one that ripped it. This boat hasnt been out in the water for about 5 years, barn kept, and winterized every year. I don't believe there will be damage but I will check.

Thank you again all! Aloha and Mahalo!

 

[Bt Doctur]

from here is a torn bellow

 

[lindleyD]

Yes, thank you for pointing out the hole and specifying! Much appreciated!