A Couple questions regarding water leak.

[Incantation]

Hey guys,

I was looking at a well-priced Catalina 30 today, however upon inspecting the engine I have a couple concerns.

One, the motor appears to be leaking water from the starboard side and also from what I believe to be the thermostat housing. The starboard side has rectangular plate with several bolts (I think 8) holding it in place. There is crystalization along the top of this plate as illustrated in the pictures.

I'd also like to know what you guys think looking at the motor, generally speaking. It's from a 1977, I have no idea what its maintenance history is, but the water pump is new, the alternator looks good, ignition wires are alright, and there aren't too many other things that look concerning, however I am unfamiliar with this motor.

Any help would be appreciated.. pics below:

[tommays]

While my 1970 freshwater cooled A4 is still Ok it took a good bit of work to keep it that way as it looked a lot like your pictures which is to say it was a mess from neglict



And it was none to happy about coming apart to fix many of the issues

Your looking at bad wiring /bad seacocks/ motor mounts that will not adjust/most likely realy old fuel tank ect

[prh77]

I am assuming this is a raw water cooled A4. Most likely rotting from the inside out. Price had better be good, as a rebuild is $2500-4500 depending on core condition and how much work you do yourself.

[Incantation]

thanks gentlemen for confirming my suspicions.. cheers

[SailingWebGuy]

The salt definitely looks scary. I just rebuilt mine. It didn't have the salt buildup like that one and it was still filled with corrosion inside the water jacket.

Does it start up?