Need advice re: water intrusion

[iceman]

I have a 2006 Maxum 2600SE, 5.0L MPI engine with Bravo 3 sterndrive. I trailer the boat so it's normally on dry land.

On our last trip (2 night stay at a marina) the bilge pump came on at different intervals ranging from 30 min to 2 hours over the entire 48 hours. I took a guess that it was one of the sterndrive bellows so I had those replaced. None of them looked like there were any holes or splits, so I splashed the boat a few days ago and sure enough the leak is still present. I can't see the actual source but it's near the transom towards the bottom I think. I have a video showing the bilge water rippling like water was tricking in but that's the best I could do to see where it was coming from. I can't attach the video here because it's too big.

Here's where I need help. I'm assuming the leak is from the sterndrive interface on the transom, leaking through the mounting bracket/structure, I guess because a gasket is breached. If so, I've been told by a mechanic that water could have compromised the transom core, making it a much bigger job than just replacing a gasket.

Mechanics are heavily booked in my area, so I'm considering asking my mechanic son (who did the bellows) to help me with this if feasible. So my questions are these:

Could the leak be from something else? The engine wasn't running so it's not water pumps etc. I also made sure the drain plug is OK.

How big a job is completely removing the sterndrive, the mounts and re-installing them? Does the engine have to be pulled to gain access to the mounting hardware on the inside?

How can I tell if the transom is compromised? How hard is fixing any transom damage? Not sure what is in the core, and obviously fiberglass would have to be replaced.

If anyone knows a way I can attach a 77MB video I'd appreciate knowing how.

TIA for any help/advice.

[mmwjr]

I would first check to see if it’s the swivel shaft seal at the top of the transom assembly. The dribble will be seen near the steering arm. Have you used a dead blow hammer to sound the transom for soft spots. If you determine the transom has rot the engine will need to be removed as the rear mounts attach to the inner transom plate.

[iceman]

Very much appreciate your reply. I'm not familiar with the swivel shaft seal so I'll research that. Same with a "dead blow hammer" so I'll look into that as well.

In the video I almost think I can see where water is coming in but I don't know what part of the engine it is, and I can't get any closer. If by any chance you can see the post I made on Facebook in Maxum Boat Owners, I was able to upload the video to that.

[mmwjr]

I don’t do Facebook. Send a PM to shrew for help uploading a video.

[iceman]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

I don’t do Facebook. Send a PM to shrew for help uploading a video.

OK I've uploaded the video to youtube. Here is a link, hope it works.

https://youtu.be/Vm-1vv2azq8

[mmwjr]

The link worked but you are zoom in to far to see the potential source of the leak. Try using a dry paper towel and starting at the top of the inner transom assembly try dapping around working your way lower until it gets wet then note the location.

[mmwjr]

Another thing you can try is take the boat to the ramp on a week day when no one is there and back the boat in a little bit at a time until you start to see the water intrusion them mark the water line in the drive. This will tell you the basic area of the leak.

[shrew]

Well you can definitely see it dripping.