Oil in bilge

[Bob La Salle]

My 1985 Hunter 31 accumulates very oily water in the main bilge (under the main cabin salon floor), which is completely isolated from the engine bilge. To my knowledge, the only areas that drain into the main bilge are the ice box (cooler) and bathroom shower, neither of which is the possible source of oil. I would appreciate any other thoughts as to what the source of this oily bilge water might be.

 

[Dennis]

Overflow

It may be overflow from the engine compartment. It may appear sealed but probably is not. Check the engine bilge area to see if it is full.

 

[Jim McCue]

Oily bilge?

I have 28.5 and initially the engine coolant hoses (the ones filled with antifreeze) ran off the engine under the port side of the sole (thru the ribs) forward to the fresh water electric heater ( to pre-heat the system). I found that with the years of vibration the hoses started to leak as they were worn from friction goin thru the ribs - not visible from the sole access hatch.It certainly "felt" oily in the bilge although didn't look it. Perhaps this hose wear is similar to your situation---unless you're sure its oil. Jim McCueP.S. I've since moved the electric heater to the aft locker and abbreviated the hoses.

 

[Eric Lorgus]

Oil or gray water?

Bob: Are you sure it's oil? If you dip a paper towel into it & soak some up, try putting a drop of engine oil next to it. Water and oil disperse differently on a paper towel. It should be easy to confirm.I have a 87H285 with a similar arrangement. Ice box and shower drain to the main bilge, and the bilge under the engine is separated by several ribs. I also keep one of those oil absorbent cloths under the engine, just in case. Only time I ever get oil down there is when changing the oil filter.What you may have is a very dirty bilge. Until I gave it a thorough cleaning this season, my bilge water was very dark from all the black mold growing down there.Eric LorgusS/V Explorer