05 390DA Water in Bildge

[Robert Mead]

We have noticed after running we are getting some water in the forward center bildge area. it is about 2" and appears to be coming from the starboard engine area. It is seawater. Has anyone had this problem and what are the fixes?

 

[Ricky]

Robert

Make sure that the small hose that cools your shaft seal is hooked up and not leaking. If that is not supplying water to the shaft seal...you will burn up the seal and have a problem... Start your engine and see if you can detect where the water infiltrate might be coming from.
Good Luck!

 

[Skip]

Robert,
When I purchased my 420DA we had a similar problem. Diagnosis was a bit more challenging as we boat in fresh water, so the taste test was not helpful and there was no rust, salt build up, or other tell tale signs to help identify the leak. I called fwebster, who tutored me on the realities of a diesel engine room. Bottom line: diesels virbate a lot, and as such, hose clamps in the ER tend to loosen over time. Every six months or so I spend a couple hours in my ER gently tightening hose clamps. You don't want to overtighten or strip the clamps, but you want them snug enough to prevent water leaks-this will include your exhaust system, dripless seals, raw water intake hoses on gen set, mains, A/C unit, etc. If you (or the previous owner?) have not tightened up the ER hose clamps I'd start there. If you discover a loose clamp or clamps, for example on your starboard exhaust, look at the bottom side of that joint and see if there is any evidence of seawater leaks.
As it turned out, loose clamps on both my port and starboard exhaust tubes were the culprit. I also had a loose fresh water line fitting on my icemaker; every time I turned on the fresh water pump the icemaker would drip fresh water down the cockpit deck and into the bilge. That was a fun one to diagnose, but an easy one to fix.

regards
Skip

 

[Hampton]

Mine was a Strong seal. Since I had those replaced, my bilge has been dryer than the cabin - and it's pretty dry. At idle, in gear or not, there was very little leakage, but at about 1500 RPM, the stbd Strong seal was leaking like a siv (sp?).

 

[Robert Mead]

I will be on the boat this weekend and will go through all the tips. After that we will be heading to Chestertown for the tea party. I will let you know and Thanks.
Bob

 

[trit21]

sieve (sĭv)
n.
A utensil of wire mesh or closely perforated metal, used for straining, sifting, ricing, or puréeing

Just wanted to inform about spelling, in case you need to use it again. NOT trying to belittle or make fun of.....just informative. Thanks.

 

[jrirvine1]

Bob, maybe have someone you know at the marina ride down in the bilge, with the hatch open and look for leaks on a short run up the Chester. We would just need one of those ear protection thingies from work.