Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

[Sam B]

I have an '84 vintage OMC with a V8.

This boat is new to me.

Previous owner had the out drive rebuilt.

Boat lives in the water and is leak free until started.

Once started water appears to come in around the transom. I believe that's the bellows.

Suggestions??

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

If yours is the stringer version with the big black boot around the drive, your boot probably has a cut/crack in it.

 

[Sam B]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

Is that a "remove the drive" type of fix??

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

I'm not sure why it would only leak when running if it is the big rubber boot. Does yours have the big rubber boot? (I don't remember when they stopped making those).

If you do, and you decide to change it, it CAN be done with the outdrive on... I did it once years ago. But it is much easier with it off - and it comes off easily.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

Some people have been able to do it without removing the drive. I did it on a 75 stringer which was the electric shift so I only had to disconnect the shift wires and remove the trunion caps. In your case, you don't have shift wires but have a shift cable to disconnect. Should be pretty easy.

 

[Sam B]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

Yep, it's got the boot.

Seloc talks about removing the stern drive like it's an every day event. For me it would require fixing the lift as it's inop. Don't need it 'cause the boat lives in the water, or gets lifted and dropped in the yard.

I'd rather not go through the trouble.

Water coming back into the boat when running indicates to me that maybe what I'm getting is water from the exhaust, although it's just as possible I guess that it's vibrating the boot and flexing it enough to make it leak.

Dunno, that's why I'm asking you guys.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help.

 

[jnk111]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

I am having the same issue with a alpha1 drive, I was/am thinking that it may be a manifold leak, or from a hose. I would think a bellows, if bad would just leak all the time. I could be wrong though. Mine is in the water also, sat for two days and no increase, only when I run the motor.

 

[Sam B]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

I checked all the hoses. When I got this boat "everything" was loose Loose oil drain plug, loose valve cover bolts, loose distributor tension bolt, loose oil sender. All of these were leaking of course. This guy's neighbors were thrilled when Code Compliance finally told him he had to remove the boat, or it would be done for him along with any hazmat costs associated. (He gave it away instead.) I fixed all those things first weekend. The oil leaks bothered me more than the water leak, but now it's time.

Given that track record from this "Newly Rebuilt" engine and out drive, I was wondering if there was somewhere other than the boot that I should check first.

First place water shows up in in the transom where the boot connects.

The guy at the NAPA/Marine store said "The most expensive boat I ever bought was Free!!)

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

The guy at the NAPA/Marine store said "The most expensive boat I ever bought was Free!!)

I would say "Amen" to that!

Just as proof - I have my brother's old boat in the side yard that I have literally tried to give away, and no one wants it! It is a 23' Seawind - has an old electric shift OMC outdrive mated to a Ford v8. I cannot imagine why no one wants it.

 

[baney8184]

Re: Water leak (Around Bellows?) when running

The guy at the NAPA/Marine store said "The most expensive boat I ever bought was Free!!)

i 100% agree. got a 1970 glastron and its been nothing but a money pit. and i got it for free. workin on chainging the bellows and intake gasket now.
and i need to figure out why my power trim doesnt work.

good luck wit ur boat.
Peace N|ck