Found in the bilge

[spuddy]

Yesterday I opened my engine cover and found a piece of insulation in the bottom of the bilge, it is about 14 inches long and 3 inches wide, I looked all around the engine and I can't find where it would have come off. It is not as thick as the foam inside the motor cover, it did not come off that. Anyone have any idea where this piece of foam could be from?

It is a 1997 SN, 5.8 GT40

Thanks,

[NigelC]

RE: Found in the bilge

There should be some insulation that sits under the hull hugger muffler under the rear floor. This provides sound deadening and also stops the muffler from vibrating on the hull. This would have been glued to the hull but these often come loose after time.
You can check this out by opening the inspection hole on the floor between the engine cover and the rear of the boat but I would recommend you pull the pins from the engine cover, lift this out of the way, raise the rear floor and get good access. If you have a rear seat you may need to lift the seat base as well.
Check that both the pads in place. They sit under each side of the muffler following the line of the two exhaust inlets. There should also be a smaller piece between the hull and the indent for the prop shaft.
If the pads have been dislodged for some time, you should check that the muffler fibreglass is not wearing away underneath. Beware, this is under the water line!!! If it has been rubbing on the hull, you should have noticed the engine sounds noisier than usual due to the vibration.
Hope that helps.