Water under engine (Atomic 4)

[mikemoyer]

There is about an inch of water in the engine compartment under my atomic 4 (1979 Pearson 32). Is this normal? Should it be bone dry?

[Dave Neptune]

It depends on where the water is coming from. Is there a "catch pan/tray" under the engine to keep oil out of the bilge? If so there are many places for water to leak so it would be just a matter of locating the leak and fixing it. If you are speaking of the bilge there are many places that could leak especially the packing on the drive shaft which should leak unless you have a dripless system installed and that can fail too.
If you do have a dedicated catch basin under the engine just get the engine running and look for the leak, the first place to look is around the water pump. If not the pump check all of the hose fittings to be sure they are secure. There are many places for water to leak even through a rusted hole in the block which is the worse place.
A bit more info would be of help too.

Dave Neptune

[TimBSmith]

Agree, more info please. I have found water pooling when leaking from the cockpit through poorly sealed holes from prior refit, shifting, instrument, or steering coversions. Also from poorly adjusted stuffing box. Also look for leaks at riser and water pump. I like to watch the engine compartment during a rain storm, lay in the quarter berth and look for drips. And definitely observe when engine under load. Post back more information and thanks for posting.

[Sailon1]

Late reply here-if stern is sitting low, check water coming in bilge discharge thruhull and flowing into bilge, especially when cruising through large waves, heavy seas. Bilge water then possibly flows into engine compartment.