water leak while engine is running?????

dfishin1 · Sep 19, 2003

1989 20'renken boat with 1989 OMC Cobra sterndrive. I had posted a while back about water in the oil. Just finished rebuilding the engine and put new manifolds and risers on. When I put it in the water to day for a test run, I noticed water entering the boat around the bellhousing. When I shut down the engine, the leak slowed dramatically and totally stopped about 15 seconds later)only to start again when I cranked it up again). My first thought was the bellows (after searching past posts), but I would like some opinions before I start tearing into it again. Thanks in advance for the help.

The Marine Doctor · Sep 19, 2003

Re: water leak while engine is running?????

Did you check the frost plug behind the flywheel? Or check the powersteering cooler. They crack real easy if water is left in them over winter. TMD

Bondo · Sep 19, 2003

Re: water leak while engine is running?????

I'd Start with the Inbound line to the engine at the outdrive,+ Go from there.....

dfishin1 · Sep 20, 2003

Re: water leak while engine is running?????

Thanks for the help, I'll check it out and see what i can find.

Sam B · Jul 14, 2008

Re: water leak while engine is running?????

I'm having a similar problem with my '84. People're pointing me at the bellows. Seems odd it doesn't leak when turned off.

All hoses seem fine, water appears on the transom.

Naturally access is terrific and I can see everything quite clearly.