I have been searching for the source of a small saltwater leak to no avail. After running the engine, a small amount (6-8oz) of 'dirty' saltwater settles in the small sump under the propeller shaft. The dirty water is brownish and I never get any water until after the engine has been shutdown. I've done enough investigating to convince myself it is not coming from the shaft seal. My thought is that I might have pinhole leak in the engine exhaust pipe aft of the exhaust/water muffler. While the engine is running the water would be moving past the hole and when it shuts down maybe it settles at a low point and leaks out. Anyone have any thoughts?
Saltwater leak
- Thread starter Stan21606
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A couple of ideas
Stan, when is the last time you were launched? If it was recent did you burp the shaft seal? The dripless seals need to have the air burped out of them after they've been relaunched. If not they can drip on you. Another possibility regarding the exhaust riser. Is the drain valve tightened all the way? Yet another idea is to check in the aft stern locker for any leaks. Any leaks starting from that area such as the swim platform shower hoses, etc. will end up in the area under the shaft seal. Have enough leak in and it will migrate to under the engine. Good luck and let me know what you find. Mike
Stan, when is the last time you were launched? If it was recent did you burp the shaft seal? The dripless seals need to have the air burped out of them after they've been relaunched. If not they can drip on you. Another possibility regarding the exhaust riser. Is the drain valve tightened all the way? Yet another idea is to check in the aft stern locker for any leaks. Any leaks starting from that area such as the swim platform shower hoses, etc. will end up in the area under the shaft seal. Have enough leak in and it will migrate to under the engine. Good luck and let me know what you find. Mike
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