O'Day 322 Bilge Question

[Patronus322]

Greeting,
If I understand the engineering behind the bilge layout, my packing gland drippings will work their way forward into the engine catch pan rather than around it into the lower bilge. This means the engine catch pan always has water in it. It seems like we would want the catch pan to be dry so we would be able to see any engine oil drips. Would it make sense to build a small ledge behind the catch pan to divert the packing gland leakage around the catch pan into the main bilge where it can be pumped overboard? We are only talking a little bit of water, but it bugs me to thing the catch pan has stagnate water in it.

 

[TLW]

If that is what you want to accomplish, I would first look at the feasibility of drilling a weep hole at the front (or where appropriate) of the engine pan to let water find its way to the bilge. The down side, of course, is that any oil of which you speak can also find its way to the bilge. Regular inspection of the engine pan area, and quick attention to maintenance would make this less of a concern.

 

[fireman416]

If that is what you want to accomplish, I would first look at the feasibility of drilling a weep hole at the front (or where appropriate) of the engine pan to let water find its way to the bilge. The down side, of course, is that any oil of which you speak can also find its way to the bilge. Regular inspection of the engine pan area, and quick attention to maintenance would make this less of a concern.

Ithink the purpose of the catch pan is to prevent oil getting to the bilge. My 322 has the same thisng and I just use and absorbent pad in catch pan area to soke up oily resdue and water

 

[TLW]

Fireman, I agree with you completely. That is why I pointed out the potential problem with the weep hole. However, building a dam aft of the pan seems like a strange way to accomplish his goal, and may be difficult to make it effective at all angles of heel. I still think the weep hole, coupled with attention to keeping oil out, is more in line with systems used on boats for years. The whole idea of an oil leak is something I wouldn't put up with. The absorbent pad is a good protective measure, but should be checked often, and any oil leak eliminated. Perhaps a pad in the vicinity of the water drip would be a good way to contain the water till it evaporates.

I just don't like the idea of any kind of drip. That's why I switched to dripless seal.

 

[Richard19068]

Greeting,
If I understand the engineering behind the bilge layout, my packing gland drippings will work their way forward into the engine catch pan rather than around it into the lower bilge. This means the engine catch pan always has water in it. It seems like we would want the catch pan to be dry so we would be able to see any engine oil drips. Would it make sense to build a small ledge behind the catch pan to divert the packing gland leakage around the catch pan into the main bilge where it can be pumped overboard? We are only talking a little bit of water, but it bugs me to thing the catch pan has stagnate water in it.

I don't know about the 322 but on my 31 the "catch pan" is under the engine and catches oil drips and coolant spills. The packing gland is aft of the catch pan and any accumulated dripping from the packing gland flows around the pan and into the bilge. This keeps oil out of the bilge and packing gland drips out of the catch pan. Best of both worlds.

If the 322 doesn't work that way I think it would be a good idea to build a ledge or whatever to keep any oil dripping separate from the packing gland dripping. I would think a limber hole from the catch pan to the bilge would be the last thing you would want.

 

[Pat]

I don't think you ever want an oily flow to the bilge or you will be smelling oil all the time..
I think Richard above is right on. I do sometimes keep a pad in the catch pan. It is interesting to note our oil pan under the engine has a limber hole at the forward end of the pan, but it does not drain anything to the bilge which I've never understood, but smelling oil from the bilge would be really bad.