And in my Bilge today was ----

[Coyote]

I was horrified this morning when I went to check my Bilge, and found this,,, seems a bit like a milkshake -- no dominant diesel odor, a slight sheen, almost seems gritty (see below)???
I did NOT discharge it over board - hence the bucket and sponge,, there was about a 1/2 gallon or so,,,
ran the engine for a half hour and did not see any obvious leaks or problems,,,
it's been about 10 days since I checked it last,, ran the engine for about two hours two weeks ago on an afternoon sail,,
any ideas???

as always, I appreciate the valuable information from folks I trust and respect!!

cheers,
Coyote

 

[dparilla]

So that's where the chocolate chips went...

I would check your oil level and oil filter, then inspect all through hulls and the prop shaft for leaks as well as your batteries, toilet, holding tank, or any liquids stored on board over the winter. Anything in the icebox?

 

[Charlie D]

Coyote I have to agree with Dan It looks like sea water and oil mixed.
Charlie D

 

[Blitz]

Check transmission oil level and if you have hydraulic steering the oil in that as well.

 

[Coyote]

Thanks for the suggestions,,, I'll be back on the boat tomorrow and see what's going on,,
another idea I had was the Water Heater,, original,, 29 years old, and I have been changing out faucets in the galley and the sink in the head,, running the hot water, without the heater on,, just pressurized water,, no apparent rust in the faucet stream,, but just a thought (?)

 

[jzuk]

New to this forum, and a new owner of an O'Day 35
Just thought to help narrow your search, your cup looks nothing like what came out of my hot water tank. I had to do some repair to my tank, so had it out to fix and flush. Luckly I had just sediment and calcification, so sand and white flakes. I put a T on the water supply for the tank since there's no tank drain, and if your having trouble with your facets you may want try this too.
I second the others. You mention no diesel odor, any other scent to it (ie gear oil STINKS)?

 

[Coyote]

Was on the boat earlier and ruled out the water heater,,, DAMN!!!
Did find a small fuel leak around one of the seams of the fuel tank -
have to pull that sucker out and have it welded,,, DAMN!!!

here is the NEW troubling question -- as Blitz suggested, we checked the transmission fluid level -- whoever designed that placement for the dipstick should be executed in Oklahoma,,, DAMN!!!

anyway -- all kidding aside,, the level that showed was VERY low, merely a bubble at the open end of the dipstick (bottom), and not nearly to the level notch, an inch or so up -- if this is an issue,, how could sea water mix with this fluid, and how could it end up in my Bilge?

as always, Thanks,
Cheers,
Coyote

 

[jibes138]

Coyote,
Also check all you fuel hoses and if they are older than 10 years replace them. They can split and the leak can run along the hose and drip into the bilge drain far away from where it is leaking. Since your boat is now almost 30 years old these kinds of things are high risk.

 

[ccarmody]

We had the exact same looking mix in our transmission (hurth w/ the original westerbeke four-11 / 30). No idea how it got in your bilge though. I never was able to confirm what exactly caused it but assume raw water was getting in hence the nice milkshake. We ultimately replaced it with a Beta Marine 30.