Sx190 Bilge Running

[JRobChicago]

Took 2015 SX190 I just got for first time. I don't have a boat lift yet so have been docking. Running fine but when I brought back in bilge pump is running every 2 minutes kicking out few ounces of water. I am in a pinch and don't have a way to get boat out of the water today. What should I check first while boat is in water?

Drain plugs? Can I mess with those while in water? Anything else?

 

[haknslash]

No don't remove the drain plugs on the transom while in the water. You'll for sure swamp the boat then and no way that bilge pump would keep up!! You could swim and feel if the drain plugs are tight but that's about it while in the water. Is there water in the engine compartment? I'd run the boat while tied up to the dock and inspect for any leaks in the engine compartment. If you don't see water leaking from anywhere in there then most like to the water is coming from your drain plugs. Could be bad/damaged o-ring seals on the drain plugs or just trash the threads not allowing for a good seal. Could also be several other things but with the boat in the water it would be hard to diagnose the cause unless it's from the engine or from the intermediate bearing housing.

You'll need to pull the boat out to inspect for areas of water intrusion or from somewhere on the motor that might be leaking water.

 

[Beachbummer]

One thing to do is to open the engine hatch and observe carefully and quietly for any sign of intrusion. If you are lucky it will be visible, or you'll be able to hear it. If not, be sure to leave a battery charger on it so the pump does not drain the battery.

 

[JRobChicago]

Thanks! Will work on tightening drain plugs.

The water fills in the engine hatch and ski locker. So I should run it and see if water is coming in engine hatch?

 

[Gym]

If you're getting that much water you need to haul the boat. Unless you're connected to shore power your battery will only last a day or two at that rate.

 

[JRobChicago]

Okay when I felt up around drain plugs one doesn't feel completely flush so hoping that is the issue.

 

[JRobChicago]

Yes taking out today. For future reference if I run the boat does that recharge the battery?

 

[tdonoughue]

A little, but not very much. It will recharge it very slowly. Basically it keeps up while running, but won't get you very much ahead on the charge.

 

[Beachbummer]

It's not a whole lot, but it's not a tiny bit either. Max is 14amps for the MR-1, but shared with ECU and coils. Let's conservatively say 10 amps per engine. That means most batteries would be refilled from a healthy low of 40% or above to 100% in 1-5 hours of operation at speed, depending on battery capacity and count (1 or 2 batteries) Most batteries hold between 30 and 55 amp hours at 12v but if you go lower than 40% they may not come back up as good as they were before, or their life can be shortened. I'm not sure what the exact output of the 1.8 engine is.

The boat will charge the batteries up, but you need to put some run time on them, not just a 10 minute ride.

 

[JRobChicago]

Thanks all.....pulled out and messed with drain plugs and appears solved problem

 

[Gym]

Thanks all.....pulled out and messed with drain plugs and appears solved problem

While you're out you may want to put about 5 gals of water in the engine compartment (bilge pump off). While viewing the boat from the stern check to see if any water is leaking out. If nothing, you've solved your problem.

 

[John McLaughlin]

I have a question regarding the drain plugs. Are you referring to the one on the stern of the boat or the ones found throughout the boat to include the one in the ice box and the other one near the stern. I only ask as I keep both of mine open to ensure the water drains to the stern. This then allows the bilge pump tp pump the water out albeit in small amounts. I have been during this since i bought the boat in three years ago

 

[JRobChicago]

Drain plugs on the stern

 

[JRobChicago]

While you're out you may want to put about 5 gals of water in the engine compartment (bilge pump off). While viewing the boat from the stern check to see if any water is leaking out. If nothing, you've solved your problem.

Good suggestion - I put it back in after fixing drain plugs to see and nothing coming in and bilge hasn't kicked on.

Question - if I am going to leave the boat docked for a few days (waiting on lift) should I leave battery on? From what I have read doesn't sound like bilge will kick on if the bilge switch isn't on?...and if I leave bilge on will kill the battery. How do people set up that don't have a lift and just dock the boat?

 

[John McLaughlin]

I would leave I the batteries on so the bilge pump will work. Also is it possible for you to have some one check on the boat if you are leaving it in the water.

 

[Gym]

On my 2006 SX 230 the battery switch has to be on for the bilge to work. About every the bilge turns on for a couple of seconds checking for water. If the bilge detects water it continues running until water is removed. This process will run down a fully charged battery in about 4 days assuming no water issue.

I believe the newer boats use an internal float switch so the pump only runs when necessary eliminating battery drain when no water is present.

 

[JRobChicago]

I would leave I the batteries on so the bilge pump will work. Also is it possible for you to have some one check on the boat if you are leaving it in the water.

If I leave battery on but bilge button off will it kick on if needed? I have researched this and am getting mixed responses

 

[John McLaughlin]

I leave it on as mine only kicks on when there is water needing to be pumped out