Engine compartment repair questions

[CAGE RATTLER]

Im putting a new engine in my 85 AJ 255 and before dropping it in Im doing some work in the engine compartment.

The upper raised platform (where the batteries sit) on both sides has some cracking so i plan on grinding it down some and recoat with fiberglass resin and cloth before repainting the engine compartment and bilge.

I also decided (from a tip from another clasic AJ owner) to remove an angled section of the 1st raised area,which is where the front motor mounts sit. The angled area was already there from the transom forward about 6". Im extending that another 6" which will give me easier access to remove the starter if need be in the future.

I cut the angle out today. I figured there would be a solid beam there for the stringer but it was actually 2 pieces of plywood at a 45 degree angle with glass over top. It opened up a hole and when i put my hand in there it was pretty wet.

Im not sure how water gets in there unless it comes through that area from under the fuel tank (which runs from side to side in front of the engine). But my big question is how does the water come out of that area?? Should there be weep holes coming from that area?? It almost feels like the water can run under the bilge area cause i can feel a gap there. Is the center section of the bilge a second layer above the hull??

I hope someone will know what im talking about from my description. I'll try to get some pics tomorrow.

 

[1956olds]

those sound like stringers, they should be dry.Your motor mounts arent bolted to them are they?

 

[SCORPIO]

Sounds like you have more work to do than just those shelves. Sounds to me like stringer time. You may find water under those shelves and alot of soaked foam. Drill a small access hole and check out what you find. What you are describing is not uncommon on older boats. The water gets in via screws and bolts and finds its way in thru cracks etc. Once its in there, it really can't get out. Limber holes in stringers is a bad idea because it not only lets water out but also lets water in, which you don't want to do. Sea Ray was terrible at sealing holes they made in deck and stringers, usually just drilling thru them and not bothering to seal the raw edges.

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Theres already a hole big enough to put my hand into and i feel no foam at all.

Would stringers be made out of 3/4" plywood?? cause thats what i was describing.

The moisture is under the shelf (1st step up).

Im wondering if that shelf is open under the gas tank. The boat hasnt been in the water yet this year but i did squirt water through the bulkhead hole under the gas tank in front of my bilge pump. I guess the only way to tell is pull the tank out.

 

[tobnpr]

Need pics...

 

[douglee25]

Yes, need pics. I'm curious!

Doug

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Heres a few pics

Right where i stopped the cut there is more solid wood that i assume goes up past where the motor mounts will be.

The plywood looks thicker in the photos than it really is due to the angled cuts. It appears to be 3/4 "

 

[douglee25]

I would think there could only be two sources of water intrusion....

1. Any holes from above the area like motor mounts, tank hold downs, etc.

2. Holes from the outside of the hull for maybe trim tabs, sending units, etc.

I would just look for any hole that surrounds that 'pocket' in the hull.

Doug

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

There were several holes on top of that compartment where wires were screwed down and the trim pump was there also. I plan on sealing all holes and re-glassing the tops of both step ups and making sure any new screw holes get sealed properly.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

I am dealing with a similar issue. The surface under my battery brackets is cracked. Although it appears dry underneath I will grind off the existing glass and other materials until I get to the wood and reglass to reform the shelf. I drilled into the shelf and it appears dry but as long as I am there and the motor is out I am going to recoat the bilge and seal all holes where any screws penetrate the surface.

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

I am dealing with a similar issue. The surface under my battery brackets is cracked. Although it appears dry underneath I will grind off the existing glass and other materials until I get to the wood and reglass to reform the shelf. I drilled into the shelf and it appears dry but as long as I am there and the motor is out I am going to recoat the bilge and seal all holes where any screws penetrate the surface.

My upper shelves where the batteries sit are also cracked up. I plan on grinding them down a bit and add a couple layers of glass matt on them as well.

Might want to think about that angled cut out like im doing as well for easier starter removal down the road. I saw no way to remove it without lifting the motor. Im also relocating my trim pump to the other side for even more access.