4 replies to this topic

[DNGrumpy]

My 2000 Challenger (twin 85's) has developed a rot spot on the left motors exhaust, it is at a drill(freeze plug?) spot/plug from the factory. It is blasting water into the bilge when the motor is running. This happened to coincide with the auto function of the bilge dying last week. The bilge will still run when switched on. Is this a common problem? The shop I brought it to is trying some epoxy first, I'll have it back in the water tomorrow, we'll see if it holds. Next step would be heli-arcing it, last would be replacement ($400ish). Looking for anybody with a view on this or a repair suggestion or experience. As for the bilge it appears the auto circut is dead from the computer, the switch is still triggering but not kicking the pump. Has anyone swapped in an aftermarket unit and done their own wiring, how'd it go?

Thanx, Dave

Oh yeah, I am not getting anything at the weep holes, everything seems to be going into the bilge...

[tiggerman]

Welding will be the best (permanent) solution on this common ailment on the tuned pipe exhaust.
The bilge switch is not a very good switch at all- just two contacts that make the circuit when water touches them both. A float switch is available at almost any WalMart and should be a snap to wire.

[DNGrumpy]

The MarineTex epoxy held awesome, no leaks, if I can make the season with that then I'll get it welded in the fall.

Can I just jump the "contacts" and wire in a float? The pump works, just not the auto function...

Also has snyone added a seperate blow hole through the side of the hull and put in a new line so you can actually see if the pump is pumping?

[poprbear]

I had the same problem with my 99 that I bought last year. I too used Marine Tex and it held
for the entire season. Just started mine up yesterday in the driveway, I was surprised that both motors started on the second crank . Ran both for about 5 min. with the hose hooked up and the Marine Tex still seems to be doing its job. Amazing stuff.

John

[poprbear]

Well I guess I spoke to soon. After I made the post I went home for lunch and my son wanted to take the boat out so I took a long lunch and went out with him. Boat ran great we were cruising around for about 35 min. Turned around to come back into the ramps and my son says it's not jumping up on plane as quickly as it was before. Opened up the hatch and sure enough water had filled the engine compartment. l checked the the exhaust manifold with the Marine Tex and yes it had cracked over the winter. Got home chipped out the old and mixed up some new. Started it back up this morning everthing seems to be fine once again. Installed a new battery and new plugs this morning also.
Still have to work on what sounds like the impeller bearing on the starboard side engine.

John