www.iFourWinns.com

I have a slow leak somewhere. Everyday I can pump out 3 to 5 gallons from the forward bilge. Last weekend I tore apart the water system, went from the fausets back and all the water lines were dry. I then let my water system go dry and I had less water to pump out the next day, (a trickle). I'm thinking of adding food coloring to the water system to try to find the leak. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

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2000 268 Vista
Flying Dutchman
"Howl with me boys"

You may not have a "supply" problem but, rather, a drain problem. I had the same thing happen on my V278. The drain hose clamp to the galley sink was free floating. How much water could be dripping around the nipple/hose connection?

You'd be surprised

I expected a tricke but water was flowing at an unbelievable rate. Didn't leak much with faucet running, but more so when we "dumped" water from a dish pan or something. I tightened the hose clamp and problem solved. Check those drain hose connections

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You can't have everything...where would you put it?
Crownline 285 SS
288 V -- sold
278 V -- sold
268 V -- sold
245 S -- sold
214 F -- sold
190 H -- sold

Running the A/C?

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Tom
Cape Coral

'99 Four Winns 258 Vista
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bowcam
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cape-coral-marine-radio VHF
http://67.207.143.181/vlf9.m3u VLF: Lightning, spherics

No A/C. I have water in the bilge after the boat set for a time without draining a sink.... Thanks,

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2000 268 Vista
Flying Dutchman
"Howl with me boys"

Hrm. Tough one. You're not getting any accumulation in the bilge? If you are, how long since you replaced the bellows?

If not, there is really only a few things that could be causing a leak forward of the bilge.

1) Leaky water lines. Do you keep the system pressurized?
2) Leaky drain lines. You mentioned you hadn't run the sink ... how about the shower? Is your sump working?
3) Hull breach. Yikes.
4) Have you had a lot of rain? If so, you might check the drain in the anchor locker to make sure it isn't plugged up.
5) Frost free fridge? If not ... leakage of condensation?
6) Where are your fresh water tank(s) located? I have one in the bilge and one underneath the mid cabin. I suppose if the mid cabin tank were leaking ... check on top where the tank level sensor is located. They are notorious for leaking.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

what about a hot water line? do you hear your water pump turning on alot? try turning it off and de pressurize your water lines and let it sit for a day.

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1999 298 Vista [color=#FF0000]Sold!!!
twin Volvo 5.7GXI

Woody: Pour you a beer, Mr. Peterson?
Norm: Alright, but stop me at one...make that one-thirty

Me again....

Checked the drains, anchor locker, they were good. Did add caulk to help pevent rain water. I do not have a forward water tank.

Could the leak be coming from the outdrive to engine?

Thanks for the help.

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2000 268 Vista
Flying Dutchman
"Howl with me boys"

I assumed by your original post that your accumulation was in the forward bilge (aka, the area under your shower). If the accumulation is in the engine compartment, then yes ... your bellows could be bad. The bellows are the rubber seal between the engine and the outdrive.

They are supposed to be replaced every two years. Have you ever had it done? There are two, the drive bellow (this is the important one) and the exhaust bellow.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP