Leak in engine compartment

[Mike Gilmore]

Hi guys, 232 Limited HO here. While on the water today, my wife and I hit a few wakes at speed (nothing too bad), but I slowed down. Once they passed, we accelerated but there was an odd sound - similar to cavitation when debris is caught in the impeller--but slightly different. We slowed to speed above idle and I noticed the bilge pump activate. Only problem: it kept running--far longer than it should have and both engines sounded 'rough'. I opened the engine compartment and saw that water was coming in from under the black metal collar between the engine and the jet. It entered in proportion to the engine speed--as we accelerated, more water came in. It appeared as though there was a leak or a connector had failed. And, it was happening to both engines simultaneously! We hailed a passing boat and got towed home. Any thoughts? I can upload a video of the problem if needed. - Mike

 

[Scottintexas]

A picture with the area marked or the video would help greatly,

 

[Bruce]

Mike, are you sure that you did not partially blow out a clean out plug? That could cause water to enter the bilge which would come into the engine compartment.

Alternately you might have had a failure of the seal around the jet drive shafts but it seems unlikely that both would fail at the same time.

 

[buckbuck]

Welcome to the forum, @Mike Gilmore
Sounds like classic symptoms of a blown clean out plug. Buy a set of EZ-Locks. When properly used they will prevent blow outs from potentially becoming big problems.
How deep did the water get in the engine bay? If it just went as far as covering the oil filters you shouldn't have any problem. Was this salt water or fresh water?

 

[Marvin willis]

I only had a clean out plug come out and when that thing blew I thought an explosion went off. The door flew open and water went flying in the air. Won't ever make that mistake again

 

[Mike Gilmore]

Found the problem: it was a clean out plug blowout. Never even occurred to me this was the cause due to the distance between the plug and the area where the water was entering the engine compartment--they seemed miles apart. I was able to remove the plug, and, as several here have mentioned, the plug was enlarged/corroded. I guess I'll need to replace them. Thanks for responding to the OP and for the advice, guys.

 

[Bruce]

@Mike Gilmore, this thread has the part number and lots of info on the easy rebuild process https://jetboaters.net/threads/rebuilding-yamaha-jet-boat-clean-out-plugs.46/

 

[Marvin willis]

I had to use a car jack to remove mine when I bought it. Then I cleaned and sanded down the plug til it fit like it should. That was 7 years ago. Never had a problem since.

 

[Mike Gilmore]

@Mike Gilmore, this thread has the part number and lots of info on the easy rebuild process https://jetboaters.net/threads/rebuilding-yamaha-jet-boat-clean-out-plugs.46/

Thx, Bruce. Ordered replacement kits and they're on their way!

 

[itsdgm]

Welcome @Mike Gilmore It looks like you've figured it out by now. That's great. Glad that it was a simple fix.

 

[Scottintexas]

I opened the engine compartment and saw that water was coming in from under the black metal collar between the engine and the jet.

Mike,
I to would have thought this was a plug blowout issue except the fact that you said water was coming in under the black metal collar inside the engine compartment,
You may have more than one issue now as a dislodged plug could take it's tube off the mount and pump water into your bilge, it should not send water past that seal,
I would water test it and monitor it closely the next few times out.

Be sure to look at our FAQ tab at the top of the page for lots of great info, especially about some EZ locks and you may want to look at your oil cooler to make sure it's been upgraded or that the suspect bolt is still intact.