water in the engine compartment

[jmalvaso]

folks, I have a stream water flowing when underway on the left side of the engine, above where the bilge sits. It seems to me, looking at this when I'm underway that the stream of water stays above where the bilge pump sits, does not accumulate enough to overflow down to where the bilge sits. When I'm stopped it still flows a bit, but then stops. I was out on the water the other day for 4 hours and water did accumulate in the bilge a bit, but not enough to activate the pump. I did run it manually to get most of the water out. Again this is only on one side of the engine.

couple more comments;
- when I'm out running and this happens, even if I'm running slow it continues.
- when I first start out for the day and am running slow (in a no wake zone) there is no water!
- running the engine at the dock, still no water

I have pulled the boat out of the water to try to figure this out.

[mmwjr]

Boat model? Engines? Inboards or I/Os? Any pictures?

[jmalvaso]

1999 Maxum 2400 SCR, I/O, MerCruiser SternDrive. will check the bellows today

[mmwjr]

If I’m following you the leak is on the starboard side outside the stringer that the engine mounts to and the leak is greater while underway; correct? If yes then the bellows isn’t the cause of the leak and it’s most likely the starboard exhaust cooling hose or if you have a Bravo drive the raw water pump is on that side.

[jmalvaso]

yea, this is a problem, looks like the bellows on the exhaust became disconnected.

[jmalvaso]

anyone have a 1999 Maxum 2400 SCR, is the exhaust suppose to disconnect when the outdrive is up?

even with it down, it doesn't seem like it seals too well.

I don't believe that this is causing the leak, as it looks like this setup has been in place since it was built

[mmwjr]

The exhaust bellows will not cause water in the bilge. The inside connects to the y-pipe exhaust which the rise connects to.

[wiigelec]

If that is the condition of the exhaust bellows I would be highly suspect of the shift and drive bellows. May be best to pull the outdrive to check them and at least reconnect the exhaust bellows.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by wiigelec

If that is the condition of the exhaust bellows I would be highly suspect of the shift and drive bellows. May be best to pull the outdrive to check them and at least reconnect the exhaust bellows.

What’s not clear is if he has an exhaust bellows or exhaust tube, the latter is more common on later Mercruiser’s and tends to used in replacement. It only connects on the transom side and when trimmed down directs most of the exhaust into the drive.

[wiigelec]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

What’s not clear is if he has an exhaust bellows or exhaust tube, the latter is more common on later Mercruiser’s and tends to used in replacement. It only connects on the transom side and when trimmed down directs most of the exhaust into the drive.

Thanks learn something new everyday!

[jmalvaso]

So this is the correct exhaust bellows for a later Mercruiser.

At any rate problem solved, a hose for the fresh water tank was leaking, that cause the excess water and what I was seeing. and yes the pump was turned during this period.

thanks for all the comments.