Hi all:
I just had to share this since I am so overjoyed at solving this problem.
Since Maxine was launched in mid-May I have been plagued by a salt water leak which was accumulating water in the bilge, but only when the engine runs. Not much water, but enough to get my attention since it is usually dusty dry in the bilge. And not a drop leaking when she is tied up. I had surveyed every system that touches salt water and I couldn't find any evidence of a leak. I even emptied all the stuff in the huge lazarettes just to be sure the hull joint wasn't leaking. Grrrrrr.
But this morning after running the engine for an hour the gallon or so appeared in the bilge and I was in despair. I was concluding that there was a keel bolt somehow leaking, but only with the engine running? Didn't make sense. But, with no alternative, I was ready to start looking for a mechanic with a huge socket/ratchet torque wrench.
But then as I was closing the engine raw water sea cock, a glimmer of something shining caught my eye. I looked closer and voila! the raw water inlet strainer was dripping at a good rate!!! I found it! The leak!!!!
Sorry if this is boring, but I thought only this audience could appreciate the joy!!!!
Rick
UPDATE: The pickup inboard filter is one of those Sherwood plastic things and sure enough I must have over tightened it in the Fall when I winterized. The ring was split on the top.
And this gets even better. It turns out that on a whim I ordered a new one over the winter as they were on sale. So as I write this, new filter installed and NO LEAKS. I am committed to take my wife to dinner tonight or I'd already be sipping a Bloody Mary, or maybe a Margarita. On second thought, I could have her drive....
I just had to share this since I am so overjoyed at solving this problem.
Since Maxine was launched in mid-May I have been plagued by a salt water leak which was accumulating water in the bilge, but only when the engine runs. Not much water, but enough to get my attention since it is usually dusty dry in the bilge. And not a drop leaking when she is tied up. I had surveyed every system that touches salt water and I couldn't find any evidence of a leak. I even emptied all the stuff in the huge lazarettes just to be sure the hull joint wasn't leaking. Grrrrrr.
But this morning after running the engine for an hour the gallon or so appeared in the bilge and I was in despair. I was concluding that there was a keel bolt somehow leaking, but only with the engine running? Didn't make sense. But, with no alternative, I was ready to start looking for a mechanic with a huge socket/ratchet torque wrench.
But then as I was closing the engine raw water sea cock, a glimmer of something shining caught my eye. I looked closer and voila! the raw water inlet strainer was dripping at a good rate!!! I found it! The leak!!!!
Sorry if this is boring, but I thought only this audience could appreciate the joy!!!!
Rick
UPDATE: The pickup inboard filter is one of those Sherwood plastic things and sure enough I must have over tightened it in the Fall when I winterized. The ring was split on the top.
And this gets even better. It turns out that on a whim I ordered a new one over the winter as they were on sale. So as I write this, new filter installed and NO LEAKS. I am committed to take my wife to dinner tonight or I'd already be sipping a Bloody Mary, or maybe a Margarita. On second thought, I could have her drive....
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