502-Bravo 1 drive. Water seeping down transom wall appears to be coming from drive shaft vicinity. Could be at least two things that I can think of, but I need help!

1. Changed to a GPS speedo over winter. Took hose for stock speedo off outdrive, tied knots in it and cut it short so that it would slip behind outdrive. Could this have water seeping along spot that it passes thru transom wall? How is this tube routed thru transom?

2. Overheated the motor on last trip out by sucking up the lake bottom. Replaced the impeller and housing, back-flushed outdrive and flushed thru engine. Took boat out tonite after repairs, rechecked all hose connections and found water issue. Thermostat is also having problems as it is sticking open - will address that separately. Could there be something that melted or loosened when the engine got up to 220*+? How is outdrive sealed to transom wall to prevent seepage?

Thanks,
Tim

There is a big o-ring type gasket that runs around the perimeter of the gimble to seal it against the transom. You could try snugging the transom bolts. As to the speedo, that definetly could be a source of a leak. I would run down to the hardware store and get a small brass plug for a 1/8" hose. Shove it into the end of the hose with a zip tie for good measure. On the inside of the transom, you'll see the speedo tube on the upper right side near the tiller. A cap can also be fitted over it to ensure a seal. Another source of a leak could be the exhaust where it passes thorough. This will be on the bottom, below the drive shaft. This is also sealed by a 0-ring. Even if you don't run the exhaust throught the drive, there will still be a block off plate that could leak. The cooling water passes through the transom below and to the left of the tiller. The housing is held on with 2 bolts and is sealed with a gasket. Wouldn't hurt to check it and reseal with some permatex. As to the drive shaft, I believe that it's also sealed by several 0-rings. Don't know how often they go bad though...There are several other potential sources of leaks, but the repairs get alot more complex.

Did you check your drive bellows or shift bellows? It may be cracked. Trim it up and you may see the bottom cracked.

gotta agree with donzi Check those bellows I think you will find them to be cracked.

Yep, sounds like drive shaft bellows. Could also be anything Cord suggested as well, but if the description of the leak is correct... "seeping down the transom wall"... probably bellows. Are there any other unused transom penetrations in the area? No matter what you do plug the speedo hose as Cord said.

BT

Had the same problems on Boatnuts Baja,,,, The steering pin that goes from the tiller arm to the gimbal ring has a seal on it that went bad, sound like the same problem you are having,,, we looked for over a month,,,, even pulled the motor thinking it might be the y pipe seal,,, good luck.

your not to far from me,, I would show you what I am talking about if you wanted if it is not one of the other areas mentioned,,,, I am in New Lenox, which is south of you by Joliet.