Mystery source of water in Bilge

[kingfisher24]

Hey All-

The last couple of times out, I've had to pump out a good volume of seawater (tasted salty) from the forward bilge, enough to keep me from getting on plane the last time.  I have no idea where my leak(s) is (are), since the hull is visibly intact.  I operated with and without filling the bait tank, to see if that was the problem - no difference.  I check fittings and hoses in the stern compartment and nothing obvious.  I did a fiberglass patch on a silver dollar sized ding when I first got the boat, and didn't have the issue until recently.  Thinking of putting it in the water just to see if I can find the leak - any tips on where/how to check the mid, front sections of the hull?

Thanks in advance. 

Admin Edit:  King I split this out of the other topic so you'll have the team focusing on your problem.

[john mcguire]

hi king, not sure of the year of your boat, but on my 1973 170 it is the transom. very wet, and lots of old accessories screw holes. used marinetex for now but a transom rebuild is on my todo list. hope yours is easier.

[kingfisher24]

Ok, I found the leak - water pressure line detached from nipple on console gauge.  Caused some local corrosion, including the gauge terminals.  I'm sure the best plan of action is to replace the gauge and rehook, but can I plug or terminate the hose instead?  I'm not crazy bout having saltwater running up to the console.





If I get a replacement gauge, any recommendations (Faria or Sierra)?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[RickK]

King, Photobucket won't let you link from them anymore - upload your pics here to your gallery, then you post the IMG code like normal.
Here's how to do it
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=12725.0

[kingfisher24]

Thanks, Rick.  Been awhile so forgot how to do it.  Fixed now.

[minionsram]

Well its good you found it! wish I had a suggestion for the gauges but im in the market for a WP gauge myself. I wish I could find a all in one gauge that did Water pressure, amps, RPM, tilt, fuel etc as one. That would clean up my console for sure!

[wingtime]

A water pressure gauge is a very important gauge in my book.  Mechanical water pressure and oil pressure gauges have been around for ages.  I prefer mechanical gauges since they require no external power operate (aviation background).  Failure of the hose and fittings is rare but it can and does happen.  I would think a 1/8" hose would take a LONG time to flood your boat to that extent.  I would replace the gauge and hose.  Either brand is OK.  If you really don't like the mechanical gauge, I'm sure you can get an electronic version that uses a sender on the engine.  This is one option: http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Gauges/LMF200-en-us.aspx

BTW I just looked at your photo... the Oetiker hose clamp  was only crimped on one side.. so that it why it probably fell off.

[wingtime]

I wish I could find a all in one gauge that did Water pressure, amps, RPM, tilt, fuel etc as one. That would clean up my console for sure!

Here ya go!

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Gauges/LMF-400-en-us.aspx

[kingfisher24]

Thanks, all.  gonna order a new gauge.

[minionsram]

I wish I could find a all in one gauge that did Water pressure, amps, RPM, tilt, fuel etc as one. That would clean up my console for sure!

Here ya go!

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Gauges/LMF-400-en-us.aspx

Wow! I think I will be getting me one of these, I bet all the sensors are going to make me bankrupt lol. Thanks wingtime

[kingfisher24]

Ok, I'm in need of replacement switches for the console on my '95 Explorer.  I bought a simple toggle from West Marine but the spade terminals where a bit thicker than the originals.  Is there a supplier(s) for direct plug-in replacements, or do I have replace the female connectors on the connecting wires?

[wingtime]

It should fit.

Try here:
http://www.genuinedealz.com/marine-electrical-supply/switches?cat=28

https://newwiremarine.com/product-category/switches-and-actuators/toggle-switches/

Also you will eventually have to replace those piggybacked jumpers that make up your positive buss. Too many connections that can come loose, corrode etc causing low voltage etc.

[kingfisher24]

thanks for the links, wingtime.