Strange Leak

ahalfon · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009

I have a Yanmar 2GM20 on my Pearson 28, which has been working fairly well for the three years I owned the boat. It initially had a leaking water pump which I replaced last year. I then noticed it also had a fuel leak, and had to replace the secondary fuel filter assembly and tighten the screws on the fuel pump and line connector.
Now that the major leaks are fixed, I noticed a small amount of liquid accumulating in the pan under the engine, which has a sharp acetone/alcohol smell. Any ideas where it might be coming from or what it is?
Thanks in advance,

Amir

donradclife · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009

Coolant/antifreeze??

ahalfon · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2009

certainly a possibility, but it looks clear rather than green

timebandit · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2009

Battery acid?

ahalfon · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2009

The battery is located in a different (enclosed) area.

flatracker · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009

there is no anti-freeze coolant in it. A 2GM20 is raw water cooled. If a 2GM20F, which is fresh water cooled, then you have anti freeze. But those engines are pretty rare.
Sounds like coolant or raw water except for the smell. If you buy your fuel from a non marina type supply, then it is fairly clear.

RichH · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009

Take a GOOD look at your raw water pump, as there is a 'weep hole' in the housing portion of the shaft .... and it will drip out into the boat when the seal on the shaft wears out needs replacing.

Also examine the exhaust manifold and engine block casting ... as sometimes these can develop 'pin hole' leaks when the 'internals' become corroded. Such pin hole corrosion is accelerated in engines that are 'stored long term' with all the water drained out of them.

arf145 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009

Funny, but I just ran into this with my 2GM20F. Had a little clearish, slightly oily fluid in the drip pan under the engine. I puzzled over it, even though there are only so many fluids in there--oil in the crankcase (no, this was too clean), oil in the tranny (no, this was a bit thin), antifreeze (no). Finally I thought diesel fuel, having forgotten that I use road fuel not red marine fuel. Had a slight drip where the fuel hose connects to the engine.