Excessive Water in Engine Compartment

[Chad Tindall]

I have a 2014 Yamaha 242 Limited. Yesterday I had water in the engine compartment up to the carpet line. The port engine alarm specifying engine overheating. I immediately shut it down to investigate the engines. I found the 2 drain plugs were open and immediately sealed them. I did noticed the water was warm, but I assumed the it was from being sloshed in the engine compartment. I noticed that I forgot to turn on my bilge, then started it. It took about 10 minutes to get the water down to the point the bilge would not pump any additional water out. Within, 5 minutes of heading back to the dock, the same thing occurred. I repeated the process, but less water was in the compartment since it took less time to pump it out. After I got back to the dock and put the boat on the lift, I checked the hull drain plug and it was tight, so I assumed water was not entering in from that point. I then checked the clean outs. The clean out on the port side had no water above it and I had to unlock it to release. Extreme clean with no debris. The clean out on the starboard side had water up to the top of the handle, unlocked it and there was no debris as well. After reading multiple post, I went back to the engine compartment and checked as many hoses as I could find to determine if one came off or missing a clamp, I could not find any, but I'm not for certain I know where each hose is located if it is not visible as your looking over and around the engine. I also check the manifold bolts and each one I checked was at minimum hand tight with no bolts loose. Need help since I'm at loss on what to do next? Thanks, Chad

 

[buckbuck]

I would put it back in the water and carefully watch for water coming in with the engine bay open. It may be one of the clamps on the water box under the swim platform. Since you have ruled out the clean outs I think the next plausible thing is a hose clamp. Do you boat in salt water?
Welcome to the forum.

 

[JetBoatPenguin]

With the warm water situation maybe check the connections on the oil cooler . . . the ones in the back are hard to get to especially under the exhaust pipe and manifold. Guessing though. I was thinking scupper valve too - but not sure with the warm water. . . I think those fail and most replace with stainless.

 

[ToddW850]

Try two things.

Run your boat on the hose with the engine compartment open. Watch for leaks while it's running.

Jack the front of your boat as high as you can. Start filling the bilge with water (stop before it reaches your engines) Look for leaks at the back of your boat.

If you get neither of those, I would put it back on the water and idle around with the engine compartment open and see if you see it then.

Keep us posted.

 

[Chad Tindall]

I would put it back in the water and carefully watch for water coming in with the engine bay open. It may be one of the clamps on the water box under the swim platform. Since you have ruled out the clean outs I think the next plausible thing is a hose clamp. Do you boat in salt water?
Welcome to the forum.

How do you access the water box? Sorry for the elementary question but unfortunately this is my first boat and I’m new to locations of most of the components...however it seems I’m learning quickly!

 

[ToddW850]

How do you access the water box? Sorry for the elementary question but unfortunately this is my first boat and I’m new to locations of most of the components...however it seems I’m learning quickly!

The clean out tray on the swim platform. Same hatch as your clean out plugs. There is an access between the clean out plugs. Boat will shut off with this open. You will have to hold down the safety switches.

 

[Chad Tindall]

I would put it back in the water and carefully watch for water coming in with the engine bay open. It may be one of the clamps on the water box under the swim platform. Since you have ruled out the clean outs I think the next plausible thing is a hose clamp. Do you boat in salt water?
Welcome to the forum.

Not on salt water, fresh water Lake Cumberland Kentucky

 

[Chad Tindall]

Ive unplugged and reassembled the hull plug just to rule it out again. I’ve dropped the boat in the water in my slip, just to determine if I can hear water leaking into the engine compartment. It seems that I hear water coming into the engine compartment the best location I can determine is through the holes of which are for the bilge pump drain system or at least what I assume should be part of the drainage system. I’ve not started the engines as of yet to check for leaks.

 

[Chad Tindall]

I found the leak! One of you good folks told me to look at the water box in between the cleanouts and I see that on the starboard engine side I found the hose with the leak!

 

[Chad Tindall]

Thank ya to each of you who shared your ideas! Would not have been able to find it without your input!! Truly appreciate it ????

 

[Scottintexas]

I wonder if you could wrap some of that flex seal or similar tape around it ??

This could be a real easy fix or a hard one,

Not sure how long those male ends are if you could cut the old one out and bend the new one enough to slide on,

If you do more than the tape you'll have to move the boat to the trailer to pull the impeller/shaft


.

 

[Chad Tindall]

I agree and great question regarding the flex seal. I’m going to try to replace it while on the lift, Worst case get it on the trailer to pull the impeller/shaft. How difficult is it to pull the impeller/shaft?

 

[ToddW850]

Good job finding it! I'm pretty sure you're gonna have to pull your impeller to fix this correctly. Pulling the pump is easier than it looks. Remove the bolts for the bucket and steering and only 4 more. Comes right out.

 

[Frank Marshall]

I hate to make you worry, but with the force it took to puncture that hose, when you pull the impeller, you may want to take the drive shaft in and make sure it's not bent. If it is, that will be hard on the hole drive line.

 

[Chad Tindall]

I’m come to the conclusion based on the responses, I’m taking to the dealership to have it checked out and repaired. Thanks to all for the amazing advice!

 

[tdonoughue]

I think you are still in DIY territory, if you want to try it. Nothing here too hairy yet. Pulling the pumps is easier than it sounds. Should be an FAQ up on it.

But I really would just try the flex seal on it. What can it do? Not work? Then you replace it like you were going to do anyway...

 

[Chad Tindall]

????

 

[captras]

Advice and knowledge you won't find anywhere else.... period! This site is incredible. It has helped me out many times!

 

[buckbuck]

You got this @Chad Tindall .
We are here to help you. Do you recall ever sucking up anything to cause that hose to get damaged? Is there any pronounced vibration coming from that engine?

 

[Stacey in SC]

I think I have a leak as well, so reading through this thread on what to check. Man I love this site. Will start my own thread when I start looking in the next weekend or two. Had a couple of gallons of water drain when we pulled the plug at least, but no other evidence of water in the engine compartment so far. Will do some testing soon. This info is fantastic!