water coming in from?

[richardk5457]

fellas, have a 4 cylinder alpha 1 io, 1984. water coming in from transom area. have changed all boots etc. slowly backed boat into water to increase water line around lower unit. when about half way up water will come into boat as a trickle, cannot see below, is this leaking coming from outdrive housing? drain plug housing looks good, only item left is strainer intake for live well pump but cannot see it. do ya'all suggest siliconing bell housing as first step or what. takes on about 5 gals in 30 mins. originally thought it was my engine but this is not the case. appreciate your thoughts on this. thanks richard

[macojoe]

fill boat with water on trailer and see were it leaks out, thats what i did

[garagenc]

My inbd was leaking and it turned out to be the rubber seal from the bell housing to the outdrive was tore on the bottom and water was running down the drive shaft and bearing and leaking into the bilge. Also check to see (if yours has one) if your external water pump on the front of the motor is leaking.

[Bruce]

Typically its one of 3 places..

exhaust bellows

Shift bellows

Water feed hose


inspect those closely

[THEFERMANATOR]

Double check your shifter bellows. Even if you replace it it can easily tear if you don't get it clamped correctly.