Water Leaking

[tantrum]

I have a 2001 Epic X22. I noticed this summer the bilge seemed to be excessively running and just chalked it up to the packing at the shaft, figured I would fix it later. I was in the process of winterizing the boat and fired it up with the fake-a-lake and noticed a stream of water coming from the lower rear of the engine. Can't really see where it is coming from. Seems to be where the tranny meets the block. Over the course of the summer none of the gauges went off, or any of the alarms. Anyone have any ideas where or why this is leaking and a course of action to fix it? Also, i am in Wisconsin, is Skipper Buds still the place to take the Epic for repair?

[masonlk]

Is the water hot or cold? Sure you didn't leave a drain plug open in the spring?...I said, speaking from experience.
Look for...
Leak in intake hose.
Leak in oil cooler.
Leak in shower hose.
Any one of these could be dripping/spraying water onto the engine.

[Lakeside]

Skipper Buds is the place to have your Epic serviced.  They work on several Epics, so they know 'em.  They took over from Jack Safro as the regional Epic service center several years ago.  Call Ryan in service at their Pewaukee location, he's good.

[tantrum]

water seems to be cold and not pressurized, just a steady stream once the boat is started. I don't think i left a drain plug open as i didn't notice this in the spring when I was getting her ready. Is there a drain plug back there? I know there are 2 on the exhaust ports and 2 on the block.

Thanks for the info on Skipper Buds, that's what I thought. I think I will have to get them to look at this. The leak is so low and far back on the engine, I don't know that I can get in there with anything to fix it without dismantling half of rear of the engine compartment.

[eagle1wi]

Have you ever had a problem with your impeller? strainer getting plugged?

If you ever had super hot water going down the rubber exhaust hoses they can crack from the inside and future water can leak into your bilge. 

Another possibility is that the manifold(s) have cracked and are leaking. 

If you can't trace it down yourself I support all the positive comments about Ryan at Skipper Bud's.

[tantrum]

havent had an impeller problem. its due to be replaced as it is almost 2 years old. strainer seems a little dirty right now, but i clean it every season. i am still getting water, as the leak seems to be at then end of the water intake system.

it doesnt seem to be near the manifolds or anything. thats my big problem, its so low and to the rear of the engine i cant see a darn thing.

thanks for the input, i think i may just call Ryan and get it taken care of.

[Lakeside]

Tantrum....

Is that your X-22 at Skipper Buds?  What a beautiful boat.  Sorry to hear about your trailer.  I hope everyone is OK.

[tantrum]

Yup, that would be my X22 at Skipper Buds    Thanks, she looks better in the water than on a busted up trailer in a parking lot. Everyone is OK, other than the trailer and a couple dings in the hull.

I was on my way there to have the water leak looked at when the leaf springs on the left side of the trailer decided to shatter into 4 or 5 pieces. Bent the living heck out of the trailer and pushed the fender into the boat. Not as major as it could have been as i was on city streets, not the freeway as I was a couple days before hand.

Now I am in the process of finding a trailer that works without costing me a fortune. I have a Boatmate trailer over there now for mock up, but do not think the pulley hook is high enough on the trailer. Should find out tomorrow.

As far as the water leak goes, they are thinking one of two things, a cracked block or blown freeze plug. Skipper Buds is leaning towards a blown freeze plug (please... please... please) as the oil was not milky or foamy when they changed the oil, so keep your fingers crossed.