Help with heater leak!

[Dr.John]

Well I found out one way to get a really big wake on a stock Sport! :oops:
Took her out today, everything " seemed ok". Noticed that the wake was getting bigger, then noticed water on the floor....hot water :x
Bottom line....I think the heater core or heater hose popped. :evil:

Struggled to get back to the ramp, engine labored, bilge wouldn't keep up, but made it..... barely, Whew what a day! :twisted:
Now what do I do? How do I access the heater core? Could I have caused other damage? I checked and all the engine hoses they were all fine (only 15 hrs. btw). I found the the ski floor compartment was full of water also, which leads me to think heater.
Any and all input most welcome!

[skinautique]

If it is the heater core, you can access it by removing the panel at the front of your feet. You will find it mounted there. I don't think it would be a hose that popped off of there. Make sure you get your bilge emptied out real well so that you don't ruin anything in there.
What year is the boat?

[Dr.John]

Thanks skinautique it's an '01.

[skinautique]

Yeah it will be right behind that kick panel. There should be 4 screws holding the board in place.

[Dr.John]

Heater Leak....NOT! Would you believe....freeze plug! Arrrgh

:roll: After completely dissassembling the heater, and determining it was NOT leaking, I started her up and water was pouring out the right side of the block :shock: . Freeze plug just popped out, and of course it's the one right behind the motor mount. :twisted:
Well, I guess I'm glad to know about the heater problem anyway so I will hook it up with shut-off's.

Hmmm, I wonder how often freeze plugs pop :?: :?: :?:

[nms1991]

Dr. John normally the core plug only comes out when it is frozen. The way i have done it in the past is to use a lift to support the engine and then disassemble the motor mount off the engine the reinstall the core plug with sealer around the core plug. After you reassemble the mount realign the motor to the prop shaft because your alignment could move when you reassemble it.