Water Coming from Between Engine and Transmission

[timfromfc]

I have a 2006 21i and took it out for the first time this season yesterday - I know it’s been an odd summer here.

Water started coming out of the bilge much sooner than normal and when I opened the engine cover I noticed water coming out from what looks like between the engine and the transmission. I do winterize it and keep it in my garage where it rarely gets below freezing and when it does, it’s only for short periods of time. That’s not to say it can be something that froze, just wanted to provide additional context.

Here are a couple of screen grabs from a video my son took. Any ideas on where to start on finding the source?

[h2o-ski]

There is nothing there that has a supply of water. That is where the flywheel, damper and transmission input shaft are housed. How much was in the bilge? If it made it into that space while the bilge was full, then the flywheel and damper would cause water to be flung around in the housing. Only other reason I can think of is if a core plug got pushed out the back of the block.

[lee]

Could be a block casting plug on the block popped.

[timfromfc]

There was an inch to 1.5 inches of water in the bilge in that picture. The boat was in neutral. I have a video of it but can’t figure out how to get attached. I tried tightening some hoses and took it out again yesterday but had the same results. The plugs on the sides of the block were fine but I didn’t have a clear shot of the back of the engine at the time,

After I got the boat home I put it on a fake a lake and ran it for about 10 minutes and there was no water dripping from anywhere. The boat was at normal operating temperature for most of that time. I will take it back to the lake after work one day next week, drop an anchor and try to trace the source. Any other tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

[mikemcclain8]

Did you check the drip seal back in the rudder access behind the doghouse? When mine comes loose, it will fill up but I won't notice until I come off plane and then it surges forward into the engine compartment.

[timfromfc]

Ok, I was able to look closer to it last night and I noticed that the shaft seal had a lot of slack in it. I adjusted and tightened the clamps. Took it to the lake and didn’t see any water. Looks like that was the problem. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!