Hi Guy's. Just discovered a leak in the ballast tank of my 88D. The good new's I think, is taht it's near the top. When I fill the tank I can see water running into the battery (starboard ) compartment. Has anyone had this problem and what do I do next. I can't actually see the leak. I'm sure it's under the floor but I don't have an exact location. Help please!!!!
Thanks Rod
@##%%$ (Leaking Ballast Tank)
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Richard O'Brien
- Captain
- Posts: 653
- Joined: Fri May 14, 2004 8:20 am
- Location: Lakewood, CO. Mercury 60hp bigfoot M0427B404
Re: @##%%$ (Leaking Ballast Tank)
Hi Rod
It would be very unusual to have a ballast tank leak. i would make very sure. maybe you could get a 4 or 5 dye tablets from your local ace hardware, and drop them in the ballast tank before filling, then watch to see if the leak is colored. most leaks thought to be from the ballast tank usually end up being from a transom leak, or somewhere else? If it turns out to be a ballast tank leak, I would get some West system epoxy with slow set hardener. and some medium woven material... urrr! if you've never worked with epoxy get a skilled friend to help. It is messy sticky, and nearly impossible to clean up. It takes careful planning, and lots of plastic which you walk on. It is toxic and odorless, and needs fans but only 12 volt as you'll need acetone too which is highly flammable. You paint it on and brush the woven fabric down, until it's totally soaked. It will flow down into pretty much any gaps and is much, much stronger than the original polyester. Practice on 1 or 2 square feet first. Keep all mixing confined to your plastic drop cloth, and never lean, step, or get your sleeves near the goop. It is doable.
It would be very unusual to have a ballast tank leak. i would make very sure. maybe you could get a 4 or 5 dye tablets from your local ace hardware, and drop them in the ballast tank before filling, then watch to see if the leak is colored. most leaks thought to be from the ballast tank usually end up being from a transom leak, or somewhere else? If it turns out to be a ballast tank leak, I would get some West system epoxy with slow set hardener. and some medium woven material... urrr! if you've never worked with epoxy get a skilled friend to help. It is messy sticky, and nearly impossible to clean up. It takes careful planning, and lots of plastic which you walk on. It is toxic and odorless, and needs fans but only 12 volt as you'll need acetone too which is highly flammable. You paint it on and brush the woven fabric down, until it's totally soaked. It will flow down into pretty much any gaps and is much, much stronger than the original polyester. Practice on 1 or 2 square feet first. Keep all mixing confined to your plastic drop cloth, and never lean, step, or get your sleeves near the goop. It is doable.
Re: @##%%$ (Leaking Ballast Tank)
have the same problem on my x .. i hope richard is right re:common transom leaks .. i can see where that could be the cause .. hope .. hope
rick
rick
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Richard O'Brien
- Captain
- Posts: 653
- Joined: Fri May 14, 2004 8:20 am
- Location: Lakewood, CO. Mercury 60hp bigfoot M0427B404
Re: @##%%$ (Leaking Ballast Tank)
Hi guys
Another suggestion: First, for the X I understand there is a possibility of a leak developing around the compression post. I would do a search of "compression Post" and leak?
Second, Try shaking a can of baking powder (punch some holes in the plastic lid) around, then fill the ballast slowly (on dry land if possible). Look for trails of bubbles. Some people do this with talcum powder. Pain in the neck to find these little leaks!
Best of luck
Richard
Another suggestion: First, for the X I understand there is a possibility of a leak developing around the compression post. I would do a search of "compression Post" and leak?
Second, Try shaking a can of baking powder (punch some holes in the plastic lid) around, then fill the ballast slowly (on dry land if possible). Look for trails of bubbles. Some people do this with talcum powder. Pain in the neck to find these little leaks!
Best of luck
Richard
Re: @##%%$ (Leaking Ballast Tank)
Hello. It's definatly the ballast tank. When I stick my head into the starboard storage well I can see water trickaling down the top of the tank and into the bilge. It looks like I'm going to have to cut the floor out and epoxy the tank. I was hoping there was something I could add to the tank that would seal it from the inside. That was wishful thinking. It has been suggested as a temperary fix is to add pepper to the tank. I'm going to give this a try this week. Let you know if it works.
Thanks Rod
Thanks Rod