Water coming into boat from transom
 

I have been at the lake for the last 2 weeks and it rained every day . I noticed water in the bilge I assumed it was rain run off since boat always stayed dry. Than one evening I heard water pouring into hull , I ran up to the house and had wife follow me up to the boat ramp to drop off truck and trailor 20 mins later I was back at boat ready to go the ramp to get it out of water ( didn't want to sink it !) I checked for the water leak , could not hear it but seen small amount coming from on top of drain plug .before it was pouring in from somewhere ( really hard to see back there) when out of water I checked the bellows on shift, U-joint ,exhaust . I didn't see anything ripped or broken . I am not sure what my next step is going to be. I would like to know what part is bad before tearing outdrive down . DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTION I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR THEM . FATHER-IN-LAWS NEW PANTOON SAVED ARE VACTION .

Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

On my 95 Talari, I had water start coming in. Turns out one of the exhaust flaps had come loose and settled in the Y of the exhaust pipe where it eventually wore a small hole in the exhaust right below the waterline. I was told it was a problem with Mercruisers at that time. Had to pull the engine to weld the hole shut.

Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

180 Shabah, 4.3L. Small trickle was from the shift shaft bellows. I use my cell phone to take pics/video of hard to see places.

Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

I know you checked the bellows but that was my problem on a 94. Maybe look at the bellows when the stern drive is both up and down. If you could put the last half of the boat in the water on the ramp and than take notice of any difference when drive is up or down. Maybe use a telescoping mirror and flashlight to help you see.

Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

Is your drive a merc bravo 3 duo prop

Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

I found water leak , It is the SHIFT BELLOWS . My next question is can I just replace the bellow are do I need to replace the shift cable ?

Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

You can change just the bellow but you have to take off the drive so probably should do the gimbal and replace the other bellow as well

Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

I second Mariah 258's suggestion. I have heard but never tried to fill the shift bellow with silicon from the inside as a temporary fix.


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Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

May as well do the other bellows and gimbal bearing while you're in there... Take it off once, replace the replaceable items and have no worries. If you are mechanical and have a set of tools it can be done for very reasonable.

Re: Water coming into boat from transom
 

Doing this as we speak. Almost similar circumstances as well. Pulled into our slip and the bilge kicked on (auto float) after a dry day of boating. Turns out the Bellows were bad. Doing All Bellows, Gimbal bearing and trim limit and sender switches While the outdrive is off. If you do the Gimbal, make sure the Zerk fitting and the hole in the bearing line up so you can pump grease in it each summer....