Cooling sys leak; 2006 Elite V C4; 350 Mercruiser

[bredman 0]

New to the forum.... like 10 minutes new.  Thanks for having me.  

Recently purchased a 2006 Elite V C4, Air Warrior. During the first couple of outings, I noticed that we were getting an inordinate amount of water in the bilge and the bilge pump was having to work overtime. After today's outing, inspected further and noticed the leak show in the component in the attached pic.  It is on the starboard side, rear of the motor.  I believe it is a component of the cooling system particularly the manifold maybe.  It is down, very low in the transom area and has a blue drain plug.  The leak doesn't appear to be from a hose, but the very bottom of this "knuckle" looking component. I have a 20 sec video that shows the leak, but unable to upload it here due to size restrictions. I'd sure appreciate any help identifying what I've discovered and any advice on handling the leak.  The pic is from directly above the "knuckle" and for what it is worth, this component appears to be plastic and has a rubber cap at the top.  

Thanks in advance for any help members might provide!

[Jlagos 23]

Welcome to the crew. My guess is that's the water distribution housing. Within the thread is a link for the replacement part. Your pic appears different but I think its the angle of the picture

 

[bredman 0]

Jlagos--In reviewing the picture in the link you posted, I believe the "water distribution housing" is precisely what it is!  Thank you for helping to identify it.  Does anyone have experience replacing one?  Doesn't appear to be too complicated... IF access isn't too difficult.  Also, what is the crew's opinion on where to best purchase similar parts/components? Hoping to get one this week and try to replace it myself.  Thanks again for the assistance Jlagos.

[Jlagos 23]

Multiple locations on the web will ship very quickly. I just ordered 2 water impeller pumps (one is for next year) from skidim.com and they shipped it that morning. They are located in SC. Depending on where your located it should get there by the weekend. I can't imagine it would be very difficult to change. A couple of hoses and bracket bolts to unscrew. The most difficulty thing is always the accessing the part that needs changing. I believe Skidim may also cross reference the engine you list and help make sure the parts are properly chosen. By the way, never order water pumps, spark plugs (especially the expensive ones), belts and other critical components from Amazon they are notorious for faulty, phony counterfeited products they will break. 

[bredman 0]

Some feedback for those it might help: I received the "Cooling Water Distribution Housing Control Valve", Mercruiser part #863631T1 (careful, there is a T2 w/a manual valve configuration) from Leaders RPM Shop. $235 plus tax. It arrived three days after ordering online. Free 2nd day UPS air is standard, no expedited fee. It was a fantastic experience. Local shop needed 7-10 days and about $75 more dollars to acquire the part for me. 

https://leadersrpmshop.com/mercruiser-new-oem-cooling-water-distribution-housing-control-valve-863631t1/

Granted, I possess little mechanic experience, but after much effort, time and frustration, I was able to remove the three mounting bolts and two of the three hose clamps. I simply couldn't reach the lowest hose clamp AND all the hoses were giving me fits removing them. In fear of busting a hose or damaging something else, I was off to my local boat shop, where they were able to complete the job in the parking lot, charging only a half-hour labor. You guys with more experience AND longer, lanker arms/builds may be better suited to do this work. I was not likely to be successful.   

The part is molded black and gray plastic. The original part had split at the seam and while enough water was still circulating to cool the motor, it was forcing considerable amounts of water out the broken housing seam, into the hull.

That is my experience. I hope someone else is aided by the info.

[Jlagos 23]

Glad it's fixed.