Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

[ahspao]

I'm new to fixing or evening working on boats so if this is normal I do apologize. I have a OMC lower unit that I put the "ear muff" hose hookup on so I could start the boat in the driveway. It started up and water was coming in from the side vents and just gushing out the bottom just fine but I noticed water seeping out of the sides of the lower unit...is this normal or do I have a leak or need seal replacement somewhere ?

 

[QC]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

Seeping is an interesting word choice, but might be normal. Need more info, what year? If it is what I think it is, they spew water all over the place . . .

 

[ahspao]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

Its a 1988 Wellcraft, Ford 4 stroke engine, OMC Cobra lower unit. I put the muffs over the vents and water comes out of the small hole on the side as usual, but when the engine is running the water seeps or trickles out of the side panels of the lower unit. The wro almost triangular panels the are on the upper sides of the lower unit. You are probably right and its nothing, but i'm new to this so i have no clue.

 

[QC]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

I can't comment on a Cobra. My comments assumed it was a Stringer. Seeping may be the right word . . . Someone who knows should come along soon. Maybe these pics will help you zero in on the point of the seep . . . Good luck!!<br /><br />

<br /><br />

 

[ahspao]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

The water seeps out right at the edge where it seems like there is a panel. I put red lines pointing to exactly where.<br /><br />

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

No, water should not be "seeping" from under that cover.<br /><br />That's the impeller cover. Replace the impeller and put in new gaskets. The cover itself is cosmetic but it obviously has a leak underneath.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

Thats the cover for the impeller housing.Take the three bolts off the cover and remove it.<br />The impeller housing will be round with 3 bolts holding it and a small drain tube coming out of the left side of the housing.<br />Hook the water back up and see if it is leaking around the housing.Should not leak there.<br />If it is,the impeller kit with new seal and gaskets will run you 20 to 40 bucks.<br />The impeller should be changed every year.<br />In QC's picks above #19 is the cover,#20 is the impeller housing.<br />It could just be the small drain hose come off,in that case water will come out there.

 

[ahspao]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

Thanks guys, i'll change it for preventative maintenance since I know it hasn't been changed in over a year. Where is the best source to purchase an impeller kit ? or can i just goto a local boat shop and buy one ?

 

[QC]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

Uh, like here, dude . . . <br /><br /> OMC Impeller kit - iboats <br /><br />No guarantee this matches your S/N, but it'll get you in the right zip code . . .

 

[ahspao]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

Ok, I opened it up and ran the engine. If I take the panel off there is a round cover inside which looks like it holds the impeller. There is a pinhole which shoots out water from the round cover inside and there is a small hole at the bottom of that compartment. Is there supposed to be a hose there ? or is it fine the way it is?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water coming out of sides of lower unit ?

There should be a small rubber hose on the left side of the impeller housing.It goes down into the lower half of the drive. Should not be a pinhole in the impeller cover.I have not seen one on a OMC before.<br />I got my complete repair kit from napa...new housing and everything.<br />They have a Marine parts book to look it up.<br />Sierra makes the parts for napa..<br />IT IS PARTS 20 THRU 23 ON THE ABOVE DIAGRAM...<br />Make sure to lube the rubber impeller with some gear oil when you put it back together..<br />I can look up napa numbers if you need it..