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PCM Product Awareness Update #SUP2006-01 Excessive Water in Bilge of Boat
February, 2006
In efforts to continue providing the most reliable marine engine, and maintaining the longevity of the engine, PCM finds it necessary to inform dealers and boat owners of the consequences of excessive water in the bilge of the boat. This update will help you be aware of how the water gets in the bilge, why it stays in the bilge, what damage this water creates and lastly, how to prevent this situation from occurring.
First, let’s start with how the water may get into the bilge of the boat. The following list provides some of the most common ways for excessive water to accumulate in the bilge.
1. Water Leaks - drain plugs, shaft seals, hoses, etc. Such parts should be inspected at the routine maintenance intervals.
2. Rain Water.
3. Water from skiers, swimmers and equipment coming in and out of the boat.
4. Purposely filling the bilge with water in order to get a specific wake performance.
Second, let’s focus on what to check if water accumulates, or stays in the bilge.
1. Bilge pump not working (defective pump, not plugged in, misadjusted fl oats, etc.)
2. Bilge pump not turned ON (some pumps are wired to be automatic, and some are manual)
Bilge pumps are obviously designed to remove water from the boat’s bilge whenever it reaches a certain level. Bilge pumps may be wired (confi gured) in several different ways. Some bilge pumps may run automatic all the time. Some bilge pumps may run automatic when a battery switch is turned off, but require a manual switch to be triggered to run the pumps when the engine is running
(or the battery switch turned to the ON position). Some bilge pumps require a manual switch to be triggered any time the pumps need to be run.
Thirdly, let’s understand how that excessive water damages engines and/or components.
1. Excessive water can cause certain components to be submerged, causing the water to enter the component and damage it. Such components may consist of, but are not limited to, the engine block, starter, alternator, etc.
2. When the water level in the bilge gets excessively high, the engine crankshaft pulley (lower drive belt pulley) will act as a paddle, even if the pulley is barely touching the water. The drive belt system becomes a conveyor belt and slings the water everywhere inside the bilge. This allows the engine to take on water through the intake system, and in most cases, will cause catastrophic engine damage.
NOTE: Components and/or engine failures, resulting from water damage, are NOT covered under warranty.
Engines Affected: ALL
Model Years Affected: ALL
Lastly, how can you prevent water from accumulating in the bilge and damaging components and/or your engine?
1. Read your boat manufacturer’s owners manual and have a clear understanding of how the bilge pump system works on your boat. If the bilge system does not run automatically while you are operating the boat, the manual switch should be activated periodically to assure that any excessive water is pumped out of the boat as soon as possible.
2. Periodically confirm that the bilge pump system is working properly in your boat.
3. Perform a visual inspection of the boat’s bilge prior to starting and operating the engine.
4. DO NOT purposely fill water into the bilge in order to achieve a specific wake.
NOTE: Bilge pump systems should be operated in such a way that the pump(s) are working automatically, even while the boat is being operated. This would allow the water to be pumped from the bilge, whether the boat is sitting at the dock, or the boat is being operated.
Published by Pleasurecraft Engine Group Training Services. Pleasurecraft’s policy of continued improvement creates dated information and necessitates changes in procedures, specifi cations and methods used in trouble shooting and repair. In the event you have any questions regarding any of our products, the most up to date information may be obtained by contacting our service department to insure that any published information in your possession has not been updated. The information in the publication is believed to be true and correct at the time of publication. This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee or warranty or in any way change or modify the written warranty, which is attached to PCM Products at the time of sale. The knowledge of this publication, the information revealed herein and/or the possession of this publication grants no license or authority to anyone to perform any action or make any statement or commitment, beyond the specific instructions stated herein, in behalf of or in the name of Pleasurecraft Engine Group. It is the sole responsibility of those using the information contained herein, to follow industry standard and common sense safety procedures when using the information contained herein and those using the information contained herein agree to defend and hold Pleasurecraft Engine Group harmless in all cases where injury and/or damage may occur during the use and/or application of the information contained herein.
