1998 Speedster - Water in Engine Bay -- and 12V dash socket

[Orange]

Hello all,

It's been a while since I posted here. So my speedster fills up with water in the back, I thought it was the bilge pump (it blows a fuse at least once every time we take it out) but now I think I may have a leak somewhere.

How and where do I start checking for leaks? I don't think the tuned pipes have a hole (at least not visable) because the first hour on the lake I don't get much water back there.

As for the bilge pump, I just used compressed air to blow it clean, I think I will have less problems in the future, but if I keep blowing fuses, I might just upgarde to an 1100 GPH pump (mine is currently 500GPH).

Do these boats have bailer siphon tubes in the pumps? Could that be my problem?

Obviously, I want to take care of the problem, as it takes forever for the bilge pump to clear the engine bay.

ONE MORE QUESTION:

12V socket in the dash used to work up until a few days ago. I checked the fuse and it is intact. What else could have gone bad?

 

[RFoster130]

how long does it take to get water in it? is it while you leave it in the water? The bilge pump auto feature does not work with the battery in the off position...Ask how i know that?..lol

Put it in the water and open the hatch and look for water coming in. Or put it in the water and add water to the engine compartment with a hose, and look for the leak. Check the plug on the back of the lighter to make sure the wires are good there. Check them with a test light.

 

[Orange]

I notice the weight of the water about an hour after putting in the lake. The boat doesn't live in the water, I trailer it.

As for the 12v lighter socket, wires are good, I was using a pump to blow up the tube and it blew, I thought it was a fuse but the fuse is good! Wierd.

 

[Gamerse]

I notice the weight of the water about an hour after putting in the lake. The boat doesn't live in the water, I trailer it.

As for the 12v lighter socket, wires are good, I was using a pump to blow up the tube and it blew, I thought it was a fuse but the fuse is good! Wierd.

This is all done with the boat out of the water....

Clamp lines as necessary and run one engine at a time. Exhaust coupler hoses burn out over time from dry runs on trailers. Feel around the engine for leaks after you shut it down.


If no leaks are found during the run, install the plugs, grab the garden hose, and fill the engine compartment while looking or leaks. Everything is marine, so there is nothing to hurt by getting it wet. You only need to fill it to about the water line that the boat sits in, shouldn't be much higher than the bottom of the carbs. If you pay close attention, you will probably find the leak (if there is one) before the hull fills up to that point. I'll drop you a hint, red or blue food coloring.

Now what happened with the accessory outlet? Is it working now?

As far as the bilge pump goes, you can unplug it, turn the switch on, and walk away for an hour or two. If the fuse is good when you come back, the wires are fine and you need a new pump. If you do upgrade, make sure it does not exceed the current fuse rating in the Mpem. According to the schematics, it is only 3 amps. Exceeding that rating could ruin the internal relay or one of the circuit runs.

:cheers:
Ernest

 

[Orange]

12V still not working!!!

 

[Gamerse]

So, have you had a chance to test it with a DVOM or test light? The center conductor is 12V+ and the whole outer ring is ground. I had one in my car that shorted because of a cheap plug that had bunch of wiggle room. I ended up taking the socket apart and repairing the center conductor. If you don't have any test equipment, maybe try another accessory, like a phone charger or something.

It will be one of those things that you will have to start at the socket, and slowly test back to the problem.

 

[dwhee87]

I'll give you the spots I've had to fix leaks on my 95 Speedster. 1) along the rub rail on the swim platform. Fix: I pulled the rub rail off, leaving the track. I used clear silicone to caulk all the rivet holes and the top and bottom of the track across the stern and up both sides well clear of the water line. Let it dry, put the rub rail back in. 2) Loose or leaking cooling line hose. Check the hose itself for leaks or being loose. Also check the bulkhead fitting on each hose where it goes through the hull. 3) leaking seal/bearing on driveshaft. Take off the shroud and see if there is a drip from the bearing.

 

[Orange]

Updates:

Leak: well, I can't believe I didn't notice it earlier, but it's from the exhaust (like many others). I will have it welded. Any issues with taking the pipe apart that I should be aware of? After I get it welded, should I just paint it with some spray paint, or do I need better protection? Also, any special aluminum required for the repair?

12V receptacle: I will see, maybe the actual receptacle is bad, I tried a good cell phone charger and it didn't light up. I still can't believe that the fuse didn't blow first.

Thank you all for your continued help!!

 

[jpd]

Are you sure that it is not your seals around your exhuast, that the problem I had with mine they were dry rotted and water was pouring in?

 

[Orange]

JPD,

I'm sure it's from the tuned pipe, saw the water coming out...

Any short time fixes without taking the pipe out of the boat? I want to get a few more days out of the boat before summer ends, and then take it apart in the winter when I have more time.

 

[Gamerse]

JPD,

Any short time fixes without taking the pipe out of the boat?

Mighty putty in a pinch lol. It is availible at the dollar stores.

The pipes are super easy to pull, and I have reused exhaust gaskets multiple times with great results. I would locate a good aluminum welder and schedule a repair. I usually leave the pipe in one piece and pull the whole thing. I don't know for sure if you can pull a 787 that way.

:cheers:
Ernest

 

[surfer32]

Thank you for this thread! I have a '97 Speedster I purchased a couple of months ago and hit the lake this last week on vacation. 1st time ever left on the water overnight just to notice the following morning the whole engine compartment was under water, etc. Needless to say I was not happy! Took all precautions and the motors are both fine. The arms and back were sore from bucketing water out for an hour or so( couldnt paddle it to the opposite lift with all the water in it!). The fuse was blown on the bilge relay, and I noticed once I poulled it from the water it was draining from the exhaust port gasket mounted on the outside along with the backside bumper moulding! I love this boat and know its 14 yrs old and things will happen but goodness! Thanks for the info you guys!