This one could end my DIY streak

[bobby bushay]

1996 3.0l/lx
I bought my boat last year from a owner that did not do his own work or much preventative maintenance. With the help from this site i have done a lot to try and stay ahead of any issues do to his lack of maintenance. My engine is running great. Ifter a night of boating my bilge was full of water the next morning. I found two cracks in the inner transom plate. water was seeping in but i could not tell if this was from the plate or what i read about on this site being the bellows?
I have not pulled the lower unit yet and done any work to the u-joints,impeller or bellows.

Can a boat have a cracked transom plate and be ok?
Could this just be the bellows?


Is a transom on a i/o easy to fix if it is soft?

Would i have to pull the engine to fix the plate or replace it?

I am a newbie and rely on this site for all my info to even write this to you all(as far as the correct terms go). My fear is that this repair is going to be WAY outta my reach.
Thank you to anyone who can point me in the right direction on this

 

[tpenfield]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

1996 3.0l/lx
I have not pulled the lower unit yet and done any work to the u-joints,impeller or bellows.

Can a boat have a cracked transom plate and be ok?
Could this just be the bellows?


Is a transom on a i/o easy to fix if it is soft?

Would i have to pull the engine to fix the plate or replace it?

I am a newbie and rely on this site for all my info to even write this to you all(as far as the correct terms go). My fear is that this repair is going to be WAY outta my reach.
Thank you to anyone who can point me in the right direction on this

OK, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. You mentioned a cracked transom plate, but did you actually see the water rushing in?

I do 101% of my own work so far and have found that once you get through the unknown, things are fairly straight forward. So, it would be good to verify where the water came from. Take a look at the bellows, etc. I am assuming you have the Alpha 1 outdrive? Post some pictures if you can.

As far as your questions:

Can a boat have a cracked transom plate and be ok? No

Could this just be the bellows? YES

Is a transom on a i/o easy to fix if it is soft? No

Would i have to pull the engine to fix the plate or replace it? Yes


When diagnosing a problem, I always start with the lesser evil things first and then work my way up the difficulty scale. So, my advice would be to start with find out exactly what is going on and hopefully it is only something like the bellows and not the more severe issues.

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

i am really sorry if that doesn't work. i am late to work and have never posted a video to anything before.
The boat was in the water with waves crashing into the back of the boat when i was looking for the leak.
I could see water trickling in in back of plate or above it ..i could not tell. Got a real good video of it for you to watch. I hope it works. If it doesn't i will try again later when i get home. Thanks

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

 

[tpenfield]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

Looks like the video is not working . . . did you make it public on Youtube?

Whenever you get a chance, I'm sure you will get more input once the video and/or pictures are viewable, etc.

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

Bobby, I've got the same problem with water coming into my bilge too. I talked to a pretty knowledgable local guy who told me it's likely the universal bellows. He also said if it's a crack, he'd suggest using a JB Weld type of product to fix it. I know around here the guys always suggest fixing things the right way, so not trying to stir any pots, just what he suggested. He said he's seen that type of repair hold well for years. As my boat is an 87, it may be more viable for me in order to keep costs down, but just throw it out there for what it's worth.

 

[Don S]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

JB welding a cracked transom shield is NOT a good suggestion. That is what supports the drive, and steering.

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

Ok guy's, i really hope this video work's. I did have it set on private in you tube settings

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

This video thing is as bad as taking water on in my boat. i will re-upload the vid and try one more time

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

God i hope this works! Sorry guy's

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

 

[tpenfield]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

Well, I think the good news is that your bellows are probably fine . . . :facepalm:

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

Good One i got a good laugh from that one. Well...... i guess i try to figure out how i can pull the engine. Don't i need a chain and hook from a ceiling to do it? Would a garage pull it out for me and i do the rest? The local boat shop number next to my iphone is begging me to pick it up and call a pro. This sucks . Thank's to you guys for your advice.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

It definitely needs to be taken apart so that you can look at things. So, it depends on what you feel you can tackle by yourself with a helper or two, versus what you want to send out.

The leak could be that just the seal on the transom plate has given way, or it could be the transom is rotting. You won't know until the engine is out and the transom assembly is taken out. I'm not so sure I saw a crack in the transom assembly or not. It is a bit hard to see that amount of detail in pictures, etc.

I pulled my 454 Mercruiser out of my boat last Fall, and things went OK. It takes a bit of planning and hoist, but if you have the right equipment and the desire to do that sort of thing, it can be done.

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

I will be making my mind up on what im gonna do in the next few day's. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[series60]

Re: This one could end my DIY streak

Would a garage pull it out for me and i do the rest?

Pulling the motor isn't too difficult. Be meticulous in labeling all the connections that must be removed. This will save a tremendous amount of stress during re-assembly. Don't plan on doing it in an afternoon, leave yourself plenty of time. A chain hoist from a garage beam will work fine if you have enough height to lift the motor to clear the transom. You will need to remove the outdrive before removing the engine. With the outdrive and engine out remove the outdrive mounting plate from the inside of the transom. Now comes the part when your heart may sink to the floor. With these parts all removed from the transom you will be able to inspect the transom. Wet wood is no good! (sorry for the rime).
If the transom wood is dry you will be in good shape (just don't expect it), if it is wet the transom will need to be replaced. This is also doable but not for the faint of heart. Have a look at what I had to do to replace my transom here.

Take tons of pictures of everything before dis-assembly, label everything. Keep us informed and you will be well rewarded for your effort. Many here have done this so when a problem arises just chime in for the greatest help possible.

If you elect to do this plan on learning about fiberglass and resin materials. This can put a dent in the wallet so you will need to decide if the boat is something you want to keep. If you do decide to do the work don't expect to recoup all the money you spent to fix it up, just plan to enjoy many years of safe worry free boating.