1974 V-20 I/O inline 6cly Water in Bilge

Trans Yank

New member
Hello I have had my V-20 for over 15 years and normally gets very little water in the Bilge. It has not been used in last 2 years due to health issues. Pulled out of car port today and put into river to check everything out and I got about 1/2" of water in the bilge in maybe 30 minutes. I parked beside ramp for approx. 1 hour cleaning the boat and pump didn't come on. After that I got under way and notice with bow high and turning enough water was at rear to turn pump on for a bit. Is there a way to find leak? All clamps are tight on bellows for exhaust, shifter cable, ETC. Water was not coming in from top. Should I just fill bilge with garden hose sitting on trailer? Thinking maybe the gasket or seal that goes in between Transon and outdrive? It uses a MR 165 unit? Any help would be appreciated.
 
I had an issue with the scupper through hulls on my boat years ago and had to replace them. Maybe check them for leakage?
 
Phatdaddy as you know you can't see them very well unless I take out drive off. I ordered a U joint, shifter, necessary oring and gasket to install. What I'm concerned about is that gasket where gimbal bracket is mounted to transom. Is it a way to test that seal?
 
Sorry, not very familiar with I/O s. I just knew some friends that had them and they were always worried about them.
 
Thanks I'll check that. I ordered new Bellows for shifter, Exhaust, U joint will be here in a few days.. Still concerned about seal between transom and bell housing? and don't have time to pull engine now and reseal... Will be a good winter project for sure.
 
I found my leak. Kept boat on trailer and backed down ramp a few inches at a time. When keel was in about 7.5 inches below water line got a small leak coming in bilge between the 2 bottom bolts that go thru the inside bracket for the stern drive. It should be an easy fix unless the transom is soft down there. Will just take 1/2 a day to pull engine and stern drive off. Is there a special sealant I should use between Transom and sterndrive to hold rubber seal in place? Thinking bellows sealant?
 
if its not the shift cable bellows, then its probably the exhaust tube where it bolts to the transom plate. If its leaking between the plate and the transom, youve got bigger issues
 
Wish it was exhaust tube... But it is between plate and transom After engine out and Gimbal housing removed, I will know for sure. What sealant should I use on seal ?
 
I don't have a clue. My I/O V-20 is all I ever repaired but had it for 20 years and have rebuild everything on it except Transom. But really love it and at 67 trying to make last the rest of my fishing days...
 
Park your boat level and start to fill it with water. Not up to the gunnels just enough to get the bilge order 5he water. Then look on the outside of your hull and look for a leak cancel that. I see you found the leak
 
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