Source of leaking? fluid

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....
 
it4llc":2y8cvmsg said:
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....

Hello,

Typically the only pinkish/redish fluid would be from the trim tab/engine hatch ram system. The hole where you see fluid coming from sounds like a limber hole which allows water to drain from the cockpit hactches, center hull, bow and other areas to drain into the bilge so water doesn’t build up. Sounds like you are seeing residual fluid from your trim tab leak and repair that you mentioned, I would reach out to Tony at PY and have him walk you through some inspections and test to ensure you are good for your first overnight on your C28. Knowing Tony he will be able to ensure your safe for an overnight. Also the steering fluid used is an amber/yellowish color. Hope this helps.

Thanks,
 
Thanks Kevin - that is very helpful and points me in the right direction/rules out at least 1 of the options. Also, now that I have my photo album here is a image of the fluid.

 
Right after my last post, Tony responded noting that the engine hatch hydraulic ram leaks a little when fully extended (as noted on the PDI), so is likely the source. Note to self: reread all the documentation once or twice to make sure everything sinks in (bad choice of words?)...
 
Has the boat been winterized? Kinda looks like the pink antifreeze I used to use before moving to Florida from the frozen tundra. Just curious.
 
It was the hydraulic fluid from the ram for the hatch. Turns out I never received the copy of the PDI so I wasn't aware of the leak until talking to Tony. However, in testing this out, I could clearly see the hydraulic fluid squirt out once the hatch was raised high enough. Fortunately the temporary fix is as easy as not raising the hatch higher than 45-50', which is still adequate to get access.
 
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