water got into engine

[brucemac]

I recently bought a used 1989 Peterborough bowrider with a 3.0 litre Alpha One Mercruiser.<br />I used it quite extensively the first weekend I had it without a problem and left it tied to my dock at my cottage for the week. <br />When I got back to my cottage I noticed that some water had seeped through my boat cover into the back of the boat. I also noticed that some water had collected in the bilge area. I wasn't sure if the water in the bilge area was due to the rain or had come in somehow else.<br />Regardless, I bilged out all the water and tried starting the motor. I was unable to.<br />Closer inspection led me to check the engine. I saw that water had got into the engine. There was water in the carb, water came out of the (crankcase) oil drain when I drained it as well.<br />I immediately thought I was in a heap of trouble but hoping for the best I drained the oil and changed the oil filter. I then started the motor and took it for a couple of runs. All seemed fine, boat ran fine and the oil color seemed almost normal when checking the dipstick. I decided I should change the oil and filter again and did so. I then took it for another run and, if anything, the boat is running better then before this whole thing started.<br />What do you think?<br />Do I have two issues?<br />1- water coming into bilge area while boat is docked.<br />2- water getting into engine somehow<br />Or is it possible that water got into the engine because there was so much water in the bilge area?<br />My manual says that water can come into the engine through the exhaust if care isn't taken when launching the boat. From that I would assume that water could come in through the exhaust while docked from waves etc.<br />If it's not obvious by now, I am anything but a boat expert and I would appreciate any guidance.<br />I had feared that I had a major problem when I first saw that water had gotten into the engine but all indications are that I may be ok after the two oil and filter changes. The boat's running fine and the oil is clear. Please help.<br /><br />Sorry for the long message.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bruce

 

[sea wolf]

Re: water got into engine

how much water in bilge? if it's a significant ammount better check u joint bellows! sounds like water got into the engine thru oil pan gasket. or it may have gotten in thru carb. sounds like your ok, but check that bellows for a tear.

 

[brucemac]

Re: water got into engine

Thanks for the reply.<br /><br />There was a fair amount of water in the bilge, maybe 6-8 inches? Hard to say for sure.<br />Another issue I have: If I leave it docked with the motor up, it's taking in water. If I leave the motor trimmed down, water doesn't seem to come in.<br />I do know the previous owner changed the bellows last year so I wouldn't think the bellows are at fault, unless they were installed incorrectly?<br />How much water would have to be in the bilge before it would be high enough to get into the engine? If it got in via the oil pan gasket, that is at the bottom of the motor so it wouldn't have to be all that high right?<br />Like I said, I have to figure out why water is getting into the bilge and then figure out if it's this same water that's getting into the engine or is the water in the engine coming from somewhere else (in through the exhaust?) ?<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Bruce

 

[port jeff boater]

Re: water got into engine

had the same problem with my 140 merc,,, does water get in when you are out on the water? if so check your hot pipe.. im told its the one that goes through the transom and out thru the middle of the drive,, mine was loose and was getting water in through there,, had to have the engine taken out and then a new hot pipe put in.. the one that was loose was pitted real bad around the bolt holes.. also your boot might have a cracck in it and when the drive is raised the boot is stretched and water can get in,, good luck...

 

[flashback]

Re: water got into engine

sounds to me as if it is the driveshaft bellows.

 

[brucemac]

Re: water got into engine

Thanks Guys.<br /><br />I'll be heading up to the cottage this weekend and will check things out.<br />I'm not sure, at this point, how much water comes in when I'm out on the water. I don't think there's that much.<br />I also think the water doesn't come in at nearly the same rate, if at all, when the motor is down while docked.<br />I will check out both these situations this weekend. In the meantime, I'm going to buy an automatic bilge pump to replace the manual one that's in there now.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Bruce