Raw water leak source discovered

[CJ Martin]

I've been chasing a water leak ever since we went back in the water. I did find and fix a leak on my freshwater distribution manifold, but that wasn't the only leak. Yesterday I think I finally found the main leak.

We had made a short run to a local cove and dropped the hook. Hanging out on the swim platform, I noticed the bilge pump came on. Back at the slip, I noticed it was wet under the port engine. Upon further investigation with a mirror and flashlight, I found a slow drip coming from the raw water drain plug. What do you do when you see a leaking drainplug? You bet, I tried to tighten it - and the leak got worse. :smt021

With my trusty mirror, I was able to see the bottom of the water distribution housing was cracked right at the drain plug. Further tighening only opened the crack up more. D'oh!

It looks like it might not be too bad to remove the housing however I am going to see what my yard has to say about this. They likely used that drain when they replaced the raw waterpump this spring. I'm guessing they overtightened it then causing the crack. Hindsight being 20/20, I now understand why the port engine always seemed to take longer to spit water than the starboard side when I'd first start up.

Needless to say, our boating weekend got cut short. At least we were able to get out earlier in the weekend.

-CJ

 

[CJ Martin]

Update: got th new water circulator installed this morning and leak checked the engine - no leaks. :thumbsup:

This was a straightforward job - two hose clamps, two air lines, and two bolts to get the housing and bracket off. Sounds simple but access sucks - and I have the cuts and bruises to prove it. Once off the engine three more bolts hold the circulator to the bracket.

The old housing has a nice crack at the manual drain plug. I'm going to goop some 5200 in there and screw the plug back in. The plug is a manual backup to the air drain system. With the 5200, the plug won't come out anymore, so the new manual backup (should I ever need it) will be - remove the hose. :grin:

That will give me a spare. New these things list for $188 - fortunately I have a great parts guy so I got it for a lot less.

-CJ

 

[fwebster]

What is the cracked part made from?

 

[CJ Martin]

Frank - both the old and replacement part are plastic. :smt101

Apparently it is quite rare for these to crack. Guess I should go buy a lottery ticket!

-CJ

 

[Mister Crabs]

Mine cracked just as yours did. I wrapped the plug threads with teflon tape and screwed it back to place. I will be purchasing a new housing this week! It is very difficult to access the mounting bolts!

 

[MorichesBayBum]

I have the same boat.... I have worked in the marine industry all my life. This is one of the worst pumps I have ever removed, so pat yourself on the back.
:smt038
An easier way to get it out next time, or on the other engine is to take the hoses off at the sea strainer, tranny cooler, and flush port at the top of the riser. This makes it a little less painful and you cant mix up the hoses. Have a safe weekend.