Hello, I'm new to this forum and have looked around to try and find a fix to my problem of leaking Transom. I've seen many old threads but could not find any results. So, I'd like to start a new thread to see if I can get any help. I will try to keep it short.
I was given a 1987 215 Sundowner I/O in 2015 by my father in law who was original owner and used it rarely since his purchase in 87. Boat runs amazingly, and is in excellent condition overall. Unfortunately I had to have a gimble bearing, bellows, etc replacement in 2016. I do not recall any water in the bilge after this repair.
Now, 2018 I have a constant leak in the bilge, it will kick on about every 10 min, I've tried to trouble shoot all possibilities, replaced the drain plug, and plug housing and resealed, no leaks in the new bellows, no hose leaks. Took it back to the mechanic that did the gimble/bellow repair and even he was dumbfounded. He then filled the bilge up with water to just below the starter and we tilted the boat bow up on the loader. NO LEAKS coming out. UNTIL, he lifted up on the lower unit which then caused the transom plate at the bottom to leak.
He then proceeded to tell me I have a bad transom and it will be close to 4K to replace and rebuild.
My questions Are?
1. Could this be just a result of loose Transom Mount bolts and if so How can I tighten them with out taking the motor out?
2. How do I determine if the transom in fact soft - I'm thinking about drilling for some core samples and then filling holes with 3M 5200 sealant ??
3. The boat leaks when just sitting in water, boat does not have to be running. Could there be anything else. Is it possible I've just lost the transom plate seal somehow and Can it be taken off and resealed without removing the inboard moter?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
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