Leaking - 2005 196 ski

[igkya]

We have an undetected leak and the bilge will run 1-2 times per set, every set. We checked the thru-hull fittings for drive shaft and rudder and both have the expected drips both at idle and running. We don't see any hoses lose or leaking and while we initially thought there might be a leak in the hull,, when putting the boat on the lify, no excess water runs out. We run the pump one last time while on the lift before shutting off all power (covered lift) and when we return the next day and turn on the power, the bilge pump runs for 30-40 seconds. Any suggestions where else to look or what to do next?

[SilentSeven]

Here's a few questions that might help figure out the issue.

How many hours on the boat?

Is the bilge water warm or cold?

Do you get water when (a) the boat is floating with the engine off (b) floating, engine on and idling (c) the boat running at speed?

When on the lift, have you tried filling the bilge with several inches of water (with a hose) and then carefully watching for a period to see if and where water leaks out?

[igkya]

SilentSeven engine has 4,000+ hours, though I'm not following how this may impact things. Bilge water is warmer than lake (~ 60 degrees) but not warm nor hot like the engine temps. Didn't have time to check others today.

[Interjon]

We ski with two (2) 196s. Bilge pump runs at least 2 times each set (6 runs), on each boat. We don't care. My take, as long as you have a reliable pump, don't stress it.

[SilentSeven]

Higher engine hours lead to long term wear issues that might be your source.

For example, you don't tend to see perforated mufflers that leak water on a boats with 200 hours but you might on a 4,000 hour boat.

Warm water in the bilge is 100% an engine, heating system or exhaust leak giving you a solid clue on where to look further.

[MN Ryan]

4K? ****! That's awesome.

[SteveDoc]

Friend of mine had a muffler leak on his 02 196 5-600 hours. There was a small crack in it and was hard to see it. Good luck.

[bionaraq]

engine oil cooler? the copper joint to the water hose is crap and will leak. Not as much as you are indicating but enough to be noticable for us. a new one from nautiqueparts and i was fixed.

[Rednucleus]

Re-reading your 1st post - you say boat is on the lift, out of the water, run bilge pump dry, then on return you have water in the bilge. If I am reading that correctly then the water in the engine or exhaust has to be the source. I would be looking at low leak areas like mufflers, hoses/loose clamps, freeze plugs.

[gary s]

The reason for the drive shaft to drip is to lubricate the packing since the shaft spins at engine rpm +. Your rudder packing does not need that so it can be tightened up to eliminate that water at least in the boat.