still trying to troubleshoot leak

[Menace2Authority]

Today I dumped the boat in the water and it is definately leaking through the transom assembly somewhere. A constant trickle at about 1 cup of water every few min. This is with the engine shut off. I looked at the bellows as best I could utilizing a telescopic LED and telescopic dentistry type mirror. I can't see anywhere where the bellows are cracked or worn or showing any signs of age whatsoever. I realize that the only sure way to check the bellows is to pull the drive off, however, I couldn't find a marina around that could order me in a hinge pin puller. Anyway... I've concluded that there is a small possibility that the leak may be coming from somewhere other than the bellows. Only problem is... Where? Any ideas as to what might be letting water through? Boat is 1979 Doral 18.5 with 165 mercruiser. I've never removed an I/O from a boat so I'm quite ignorant as to all the parts involved in the inner/outer transom assembly. Any suggestions on what to look at while I'm waiting for my hinge pin puller would be appreciated. Also, is there a way to better inpect the bellows without pulling the drive off?

Thanks

Rob

 

[solar7647]

Re: still trying to troubleshoot leak

You can try the old trick of putting water in the bilg while its on the trailer and seeing if it drains out of the boat.

 

[Menace2Authority]

Re: still trying to troubleshoot leak

Nevermind. Managed to get the drive off. Water gushed out of the ujoint bellow as soon as I cracked the seal. Bearing spins like its got gravel in it instead of bearings. Off to the shop she goes.


Rob