My 2004 Volvo Penta 5.0 GL-D with SX drive seems to be leaking somewhere. I am suspecting that the leak is in the bellows area as I cannot see any other place on the boat where there is an issue. The bellows have never been changed since the boat was made (July 2003) and purchased by me brand new. I put the boat in the water on Friday ~2pm, went back out that evening for a sunset cruise, then returned the boat back to the mooring. When I returned at ~11am the next day I noticed perhaps 1-2 gallons of water in the bilge. I used the bilge pump to remove whatever water I could while I pondered what to do. The day before, while the boat was still on the trailer, I had carefully removed as much water as possible with a sponge so I know this is new water. We did not have any rain overnight. I made the decision to pull the boat and had it out of the water ~3pm Saturday. When I returned home and removed the drain plug at least 2 gallons of water came out.
Can I proceed with just a bellows (drive / exhaust) replacement or are there other concerns that I need to address while I have it out of the water? I could not see where the water is coming in while I was on the boat and the boat was still in the water. If the bellows leaks how does it get into the boat? Is the motor OK? The motor ran fine for the few trips that it took. I would not have taken the boat back out so soon if it weren't for the water leakage. I have read several posts listed in this forum about bellows replacement. I have never done such work before but have many mechanical tools and would consider myself at an intermediate skill / knowledge level. I do not have a large enough garage to put the boat inside of so all work (if done at home) would be outside. What other information need I provide to help diagnose and / or replace the bellows. I have attempted to contact a boat mechanic but have yet to hear back yet. What might this type of repair cost if I were to bring it to a marina shop? I cannot afford $600-$1000 in repair bills, else it will sit in my yard or be sold as is. I will do the work myself if possible.
Any help or suggestions?
Can I proceed with just a bellows (drive / exhaust) replacement or are there other concerns that I need to address while I have it out of the water? I could not see where the water is coming in while I was on the boat and the boat was still in the water. If the bellows leaks how does it get into the boat? Is the motor OK? The motor ran fine for the few trips that it took. I would not have taken the boat back out so soon if it weren't for the water leakage. I have read several posts listed in this forum about bellows replacement. I have never done such work before but have many mechanical tools and would consider myself at an intermediate skill / knowledge level. I do not have a large enough garage to put the boat inside of so all work (if done at home) would be outside. What other information need I provide to help diagnose and / or replace the bellows. I have attempted to contact a boat mechanic but have yet to hear back yet. What might this type of repair cost if I were to bring it to a marina shop? I cannot afford $600-$1000 in repair bills, else it will sit in my yard or be sold as is. I will do the work myself if possible.
Any help or suggestions?
