it4llc
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2020
- Messages
- 291
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-28
- Hull Identification Number
- FML28C17K920
- Vessel Name
- Gremlin
I'm a newbie owner settling into a C28 (and loving it). The other morning when I was messing around setting up the chartplotter, cutting mattress toppers, etc., I noticed some fluid in the engine compartment around the engine raw water intake. I figured it might be some antifreeze from the winterization. I wiped the area down though, and when I came back a few days later, there was more fluid and I didn't see anyway it could be antifreeze. From some closer inspection, I think the fluid was coming from the drain holes located right behind the green wires that are between the engine raw water intake and the low fiberglass wall to stern behind the intake. As soon as I have my album up I can post a picture. My best guess on the source are one of two things:
1 - The trim tabs needed repairs, and this is hydraulic fluid left from the repair (and hopefully not actually leaking) coming out of the drain. I'm not sure what that drain hole actually drains though and if this is possible, ie if hydraulic fluid could come out of it.
2 - The autopilot pump is leaking. I found one or two 🙂 posts on this topic so seems like a possibility as well. I searched some online but wasn't able to find out what color the fluid would normally be. The leaking is a red/pink colored fluid. I also seem to have the same "turn to port" issue at higher speeds and the wheel does not want to turn back to starboard, which seems to be symptomatic of the leaking AP pump. I'll be back on the boat in a day or two to inspect the autopilot pump, and intend to try Andrew's test and tighten the 3 screws later this week when I get a chance to go out again, but if someone were to tell me that the drain in question or the fluid in question couldn't come from the AP that would be a pointer in the right direction.
As an aside, Pocket Yachts has been great on the support and service and I'd ask them, but they are closed until the new year and we are planning our first overnight trip this week....
1 - The trim tabs needed repairs, and this is hydraulic fluid left from the repair (and hopefully not actually leaking) coming out of the drain. I'm not sure what that drain hole actually drains though and if this is possible, ie if hydraulic fluid could come out of it.
2 - The autopilot pump is leaking. I found one or two 🙂 posts on this topic so seems like a possibility as well. I searched some online but wasn't able to find out what color the fluid would normally be. The leaking is a red/pink colored fluid. I also seem to have the same "turn to port" issue at higher speeds and the wheel does not want to turn back to starboard, which seems to be symptomatic of the leaking AP pump. I'll be back on the boat in a day or two to inspect the autopilot pump, and intend to try Andrew's test and tighten the 3 screws later this week when I get a chance to go out again, but if someone were to tell me that the drain in question or the fluid in question couldn't come from the AP that would be a pointer in the right direction.
As an aside, Pocket Yachts has been great on the support and service and I'd ask them, but they are closed until the new year and we are planning our first overnight trip this week....