Bilge under engine

[gpd955]

Trying to get a head start on troubleshooting some errant winterizing anti-freeze.

Went to the boat last week to start recommissioning the engine and noticed that there was a bit of the pink stuff in the bilge under the engine. Felt around on the bottom of the engine and didn't find any leaks (hopefully not because it all leaked out!). I did have an anti-freeze leak in the head because I filled the electric toilet bowl with the stuff to fill the holding tank and didn't flush it all down. On a few occasions, I found pink stuff on the head floor and around the gasket the seals the toilet to the base.

My question is....Is there a way that the anti-freeze from the toilet made its way into the bilge under the engine? Are they connected in some way....like from the shower drain? I'm looking at the plumbing plan and it isn't quite clear what parts of the boat have access to the engine and boat bilges. The regular old bilge was dry as a bone so nothing was in there.

Thanks for the help...trying to get as much info before I head down and start banging my head against a bulkhead!!

The boat is a 2000, #45.

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Not sure about the head

I am not sure about the head. I don't think that bilge connects to the head in anyway that would allow for that cross over.

But what about the antifreeze you used for the raw water side of the engine?

 

[gpd955]

I am not sure about the head. I don't think that bilge connects to the head in anyway that would allow for that cross over.

I figured as much. I was just hoping someone would say that it was and ease my mind a bit! :cry:

But what about the antifreeze you used for the raw water side of the engine?

I'm hoping that it is not that. I really don't want to have to deal with a leak and finding it while out of the water is going to be tough. I guess I know what the plan is for tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

[Tom J]

Over the past few years, I have found some anti-freeze in the engine bilge. In every case, the leak was at a hose, and tightening the clamps solved the problem. Check the heat exchanger. Most likely in that area.

 

[gpd955]

Over the past few years, I have found some anti-freeze in the engine bilge. In every case, the leak was at a hose, and tightening the clamps solved the problem. Check the heat exchanger. Most likely in that area.

Ironically part of my maintenance when I discovered the fluid Was checking the HX. I found that it was empty, with the exception of about 1/2 cup of what I believe was water. I changed the end cap gaskets, o-rings and the zinc. I will double check all the hose clamps on the engine as well.

 

[valcour]

I had a difficult to find very slow A/F leak for most of a season. Turned out to be a crack in the fitting at the base of the overflow expansion tank.

 

[rpwillia]

My $0.02

The bilge under the engine is designed to catch any oil and capture it there instead of letting it run to the regular bilge and pumping oil overboard. You shower pan will not drain to the engine compartment so the head issue and the anti freeze in the engine bilge are not related.

HX is a likely place to look at, but the best way is when the engine is running. You have hull #45, is that the original HX? Are the mounting brackets brazed onto the back or do you have the straps that go all the way around (the newer version)? If it is the HX you should see a drip when the engine is running.

The hoses (TomJ) and the anti freeze reservoir (Valcour) to check are also excellent ideas, as both of those are likely areas to check.

 

[Witzend]

When it gets real cold the thickness of the rubber in the walls of the hoses shrink (remember the Challenger). This causes the hose clamps to not apply the same amount squeeze around the barb, thus the small leaks. Also, the hose clamps are SS, or should be, and some of the barbs are cast aluminum, aluminum has a greater temp coefficient than SS so it shrinks more as well amplifying the problem. When it warms back up, no leak. Check them now, and snug them all up a bit if needed, but do not over tighten.

 

[gpd955]

The bilge under the engine is designed to catch any oil and capture it there instead of letting it run to the regular bilge and pumping oil overboard. You shower pan will not drain to the engine compartment so the head issue and the anti freeze in the engine bilge are not related.

HX is a likely place to look at, but the best way is when the engine is running. You have hull #45, is that the original HX? .

I'm going to guess it is the original. When I replaced the end caps, I found that the gaskets had gray paint on the outer rims (that kind of stick out o the caps) so I think that the gaskets were the originals as well. $0.02 well spent

 

[gpd955]

When it gets real cold the thickness of the rubber in the walls of the hoses shrink (remember the Challenger). This causes the hose clamps to not apply the same amount squeeze around the barb, thus the small leaks. Also, the hose clamps are SS, or should be, and some of the barbs are cast aluminum, aluminum has a greater temp coefficient than SS so it shrinks more as well amplifying the problem. When it warms back up, no leak. Check them now, and snug them all up a bit if needed, but do not over tighten.

Good point. That may explain the issue with the leaky head as well. I'm feeling a little better now!

 

[gpd955]

Good news so far. Did some maintenance (impeller, HX caps, tightened hoses) and ran engine for a few and no leaks noted.