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Bob On This
USA
175 Posts |
 Posted - 09/10/2009 : 10:11:08 AM
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Anyone done much with the Crusader manifolds?
I would really like to replace all the exhaust on my 89, but that's a couple grand for new. So I have a couple questions.
1. What is the best way to clean and inspect the manifolds and can you really predict their remaining life?
2. Do they deteriorate at the same rate, if you wanted to replace them a few items at a time, which one would you do first?
3. Has anyone used a different set of manifolds on their Carver, or does the design of the others not lend itself well on these boats?
In other words, could you use Mercruiser stern drive manifold for the same small block GM?
We did find one bent rod on the Port engine, and I think the manifolds are original, so there maybe one that's leaking....and their 20 years old!
Thanks
Bob
Diver Down
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Bob On This
USA
175 Posts |
 Posted - 09/11/2009 : 12:03:27 PM
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Wow, no one has any comments? Come on guys.
OK, new question.
Is anyone using, or have used, aluminum exhaust manifolds on a raw water cooled engine run in freshwater?
The reason I ask is, I'm looking at some "kits" that are available for Mercruiser style manifolds for a small block GM. I would need to modify the exhaust out the stern, but that's doable. They offer these in cast iron and aluminum.
Thanks
Bob
Thanks
Bob
Diver Down |
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Jimbo Song
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 3:41:38 PM
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LOL, no comment because I don't know much about them. I oput new manifolds and risers on last year because the mechanis I had to my annual tune up advised me to do so. (Actually they were really cruddy)
Other than that I just don't know that much about them.
Also, I left the exhaust set up completely stock.
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
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Justus3
Canada
74 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 7:51:10 PM
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Well I'm no expert but I did repace risers this year and had a go at cleaning out the manifolds for the first time. I asked lots of questions along the way and here are a few things I picked up:
1. Starting with the obvious - risers and manifolds run in salt water need to be inspected regularly and will probably only last 5 - 7 years. I've been told that the manifolds should last a bit longer than the risers.
2. If money is no object it is normal practice to replace both risers and manifolds at the same time.
3. If you only replace the risers it is possble to clean the manifolds - somewhat. I used a hack saw blade and a vacuum and poked away at the water channels. That way I didn't have to remove them. I'm sure there is a better way to clean the manifolds but that did a reasonable job and saved the expense of replacing them.
4. It is critical that the manifolds be carefully inspected to make sure the port walls have good thickness and can create a good seal with the riser.
5. When you prepare the surface for the new gasket get every bit of old gasket material off with a razor blade - right down to clean metal!
Now I have all new risers and old manifolds that will need to be inspected every year or so to make sure they still have a water tight seal and no thinning/corrosion of the metal.
My risers (Ford 302) cost about $140 each.
Hope this helps. Look forward to hearing other ideas.
Ron
1978 Carver Santa Cruz 28
Vancouver Island BC |
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Bob On This
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 9:49:47 PM
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Thanks guys,
I didn't mean to wake anyone up, as I know most of you guys are out enjoying the last of the boating of the year.
Here's kinda where I'm at (and please feel free to add your comments).
The old "log" style manifold with an 8" riser gave me a total of 12" rise above the head exhaust outlet, then dropped a total of 10" before connecting to the exhaust pipes. The pipes have about 10" of total drop before reaching the transom. (keep the water flow)
If I get the "Merc" style center riser ($500.00 complete per engine) I will get around 8" rise with a couple of inches drop.
This will leave me about 4" higher at the exhaust pipe connection.
This gives me a couple more inched drop to the transom. Good, right?
The only thing I loose is the large (10") upside down "U" in the system.
Is this OK? Not sure what this is for, water intrusion due to waves or a sudden chop of the throttles at speed?
I will need to add some hose or SS tubing to the exhaust, but that easy to do.
The exhaust outlet has flappers on the bypass, and the actual discharge is below the water line.
I guess I need to make sure the high point in the riser is about the water line? Don't know why, but did read that somewhere?
Thanks for your input.
Bob
Diver Down |
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Jimbo Song
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 11:17:13 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bob On This
Thanks guys,
I didn't mean to wake anyone up, as I know most of you guys are out enjoying the last of the boating of the year.
Last of the year? I don't think so. Now is when the boating starts to get good here in Florida. 
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
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Bob On This
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 6:01:08 PM
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OK Bob, I'm jealous, but we do have it better than some people up north, our season ends around the 1st of October.
We will get our last trip of the year next weekend, and then winterise the Excel.
I think I'm going to scrap all the old "log" style manifolds and update with "merc" style center risers. I downloaded the Crusader Installation manual, and the minimum height above the water line is 12".
I did the math, and on the Carver I would be right at 12" with the standard set up, so I will add a 4" or 6" spacer under the elbow.
Do you guys know which is a better brand, Osco, HGE, or GLM?
I don't think I will go with aluminum, going to stay with cast iron.
Bob
Diver Down |
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Jimbo Song
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 10:43:40 AM
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Well, I am planning to leave here on October 12th for a 2-3 week trip down the east coast, across the Okeechobee Waterway to the west coast, down to the Keys and back up the east coast home.
October, November and December here are GREAT boating! (That's why so many northeast boats head down here in November. ICW is like a boat parade) I do, however get a lot of "projects" done in that time period. WAY cooler working down in the bilge than in the summer.
January and Feb can get windy and cool but March starts to get nice again.
Winterize? My winterizing entails removing the food and beer from the refrigerator.
Either eat your heart out or come down for a visit!
Bob
PS: I totally agree with staying with cast iron.
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
Edited by - Jimbo Song on 09/14/2009 10:44:54 AM |
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Bob On This
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 1:00:34 PM
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Bob,
I can't think of anything I would rather do that come down for a week of SCUBA and boating.
The wife was working on her PHD at CFU in Orlando a few years ago, so I have spent a little time there.
We never made it to the Keys (I think she thought I wouldn't leave).
I will be out of action staring the end of this month for about 3 or 4 months, then hoping to meet up with my son in the Caymans for some diving. Maybe we can hook up on the way back? I'll bring the beer.
Thanks
Bob
Diver Down |
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Jimbo Song
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 08:29:11 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bob On This
Bob,
I can't think of anything I would rather do that come down for a week of SCUBA and boating.
The wife was working on her PHD at CFU in Orlando a few years ago, so I have spent a little time there.
We never made it to the Keys (I think she thought I wouldn't leave).
I will be out of action staring the end of this month for about 3 or 4 months, then hoping to meet up with my son in the Caymans for some diving. Maybe we can hook up on the way back? I'll bring the beer.
Thanks
Bob
Diver Down
Just let me know the daye and time.
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
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Rockmeister
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2009 : 10:07:59 PM
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Hey Bob!
I have read some bad things about the "merc" style manifolds.
Some good reading here about Exhaust Manifolds/Risers:
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/exhaust_risers.htm
Hope this helps!
Rock : )
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
Western Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
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Rockmeister
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2009 : 11:22:58 AM
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PS
If the manifold and/or riser is in good shape other than the mating surfaces, you can have the mating surfaces re-machined.
Mine cost about $50 to have re-surfaced.
ALOT cheaper than a manifold, if replacement is not required.
Hope this helps!
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
Western Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
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Bob On This
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2009 : 4:41:58 PM
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Thanks Rock,
I guess I'm a little apprehensive about the re-use, as they are 20 years old, I had 2 cracked heads, and the PO didn't seem to know much
about boats.
Oh, well, we'll see.
I am off for my back surgery at 6am tomorrow, then a few months of rehab. Should get back to the project in January.
Diver Down |
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Jimbo Song
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 12:19:12 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bob On This
Thanks Rock,
I guess I'm a little apprehensive about the re-use, as they are 20 years old, I had 2 cracked heads, and the PO didn't seem to know much
about boats.
Oh, well, we'll see.
I am off for my back surgery at 6am tomorrow, then a few months of rehab. Should get back to the project in January.
Diver Down
We'll keep the prayer lamp lit for you. Let us know you are OK.
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
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TURIZZIANI
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 6:23:33 PM
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Good luck Bob get well soon can't wait to see your boat in the water..............
Brian |
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Rockmeister
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2009 : 4:19:55 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by TURIZZIANI
Good luck Bob get well soon can't wait to see your boat in the water..............
Brian
X2!
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
Western Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
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Topic |
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Crusader Exhaust Manifolds
