97 GTI water problems

[get_real]

Got a couple of issues I could use some help with. The ski is running great and didn't take on any water during the day, but after leaving it in the lake overnight it took on about 3-4 gallons of water. I believe it's leaking around the carbon seal. I tried running it to get the water out using the bailer's, but it was missing bad and wouldn't get up to speed. After using a solo cup to bail it out, it ran great. First, why would it miss with the 3-4 gallons in the ski? Is it possible the seal around the magneto has failed and water got in there? I checked the rear electrical box and it was dry. Second, I pulled the housing and prop last year and looked at the carbon seal. It's looks fine, and I did my best to align the engine so the seal is seated correctly, but it's still leaking. Any tips on if I need to replace the seal and the best way to align it?

 

[POPPS]

Secure the boat on the trailer,,,slowly back it into the water to submerge the carbon ring,,,start the engine,,,see if water is spraying out.

 

[get_real]

Thanks, I haven't had a chance to take it back to the lake yet for that test but no water was spraying out last weekend when running. I saw no water spray around the driveshaft, the carbon seal appears to leak only when the engine is off. Also I did pull the magneto cover yesterday to see if it was leaking. It was dry inside, I didn't see any signs of water penetration and the o-ring looked good. However noticed the top center bolt was missing, but when trying to install a new bolt, the bolt just slides in & out, evidently someone before me stripped the threads out. Also when I was lightly tightening the bolt next to that one, threads stripped on that one too. Since both bolts are on the top where water in the bottom wouldn't cause a problem, I may just leave it alone rather than trying to install helicoils.