88 OMC COBRA 5.0 leaking badly

The mechanic SWORE it was a huge hole in the Y-pipe. However....after I took these pics I have a theory of my own. What do you guys think??

In my non-professional opinion, I believe the problem is a separated transom bracket. I believe the bottom right bolt on the inside of the transom bracket is loose (for whatever reason). If you look at the bolt, you can no longer see the red-loc-tite and there is only 2 threads showing. The other bolt has red-loc-tite and about 5-6 threads. When my brother banged the boat in reverse up against the dock and snapped the dolphin fin off the outdrive, I believe the bracket separated. Broken seal...whatever you call it. Water is coming in pretty darn fast.....not seeping.

I have only used the boat maybe 5 times since then. So...it has not been wet too often or for too long. I'm hoping the transom hasnt rotted out because of this.

I think the CHEAP GUY FIX on this is to simply torque that nut down till it is even with the left one. However....I dont know if I can do that from the inside of the boat....OR do I need to have access to the head of the bolt so it wont spin. Wont know unless I try.

CLICK on the ZOOM icon below the pictures to blow them up:
Pic 1 before putting in water: http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2849976520102484116PRbkwf?vhost=sports
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2920875720102484116uIRtxE?vhost=sports
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2236173530102484116wEyIfZ

Thanks for your advice!

Sully

I just looked up the part number shown in the pictures and the LOOSE bracket in the pictures is actually called the "steering contol bracket" OR "bearing plate". I'm not sure what is attached to the other side?? Im not sure if this can be the cause of my leak at all??

I REALLY....REALLY do not want to pay the mechanic 7+ hours of labor to pull my engine and outdrive to "find the problem".

Suggestions anyone?

There are a few places the water can come from.
Does it leak when it's not running?
Pull the drive see if the bellows is leaking?

In my non-professional opinion, I believe the problem is a separated transom bracket. I believe the bottom right bolt on the inside of the transom bracket is loose (for whatever reason).

Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Those nuts don't just loosen by themselves,...
It's usually because of a Rotten Transom...

The boat is MAYBE worth $4000 on the top-end and I've already put a lot into it. Just completely rebuilt the trailer (everything is new) and that was another $500.

Damn! I want to run a few more tests before I sink the $1000 into pulling the enginer and outdrive.

Since it's a trailer boat, this is not critical. A bilge pump can probably keep up with whatever comes in. Get a Rule 1500 bilge pump. Run it.
If you take it apart, you'll find that the hull is shot and your boating days will be over, at least with this thing.