alright, read past posts, and just seeing what you think

PowerAddict

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 8, 2007
Messages
418
Okay, I've read all the iboat user reviews about what they think of repairing their cracked manifold.

Well, I'm broke, and I'm 90% sure I have a cracked manifold in my 140 mercruiser (I will find out tomorrow for sure)

I know I could have it welded by an experienced welder with mig, tig, or nickel stick.

Now, this would not be a permanent repair, but I was hoping at least the rest of the season (Maybe getting out on it 5 times...Mabye)

I know it really should be replaced, but my question isn't weather or not I should replace it, its have you guys seen a "patch" as you guys say last that long?

If you truly and honestly feel there's no way, you've never seen it last that long, your best buddy's uncle's niece's babydaddy's brother had a boat that exploded because of a welded manifold then I won't do it.

I just want my boating dreams to be fulfilled, but I'm not stupid.
 

Reel Poor

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jan 29, 2005
Messages
5,522
Re: alright, read past posts, and just seeing what you think

I would look at it this way. If you weld it and it doesn't work, the worst thing that could happen is you destroy your engine........And then you'll still need a new manifold for the new replacement engine. $250.00 vs $2500.00+ is a no brainer to me. :confused:
 

bjcsc

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
1,805
Re: alright, read past posts, and just seeing what you think

Man you guys get up early...

I agree with RP. The problem is that when these components fail, the internal damage = external damage. That's what happens when people clean up the mating ends of scaly risers and manifolds. The ends look OK, but it's what they can't see that comes back to bite them. It would be a big risk...
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: alright, read past posts, and just seeing what you think

1st boat i had. had a welded manifold. i got the boat from my mom after dad died. i have no idea how long it lasted for my dad, but i ran it for many runs w/o knowing i had a welded manifold. who knows how long he ran it that way. so yes it can work. and for quite awhile too. would i do that to my boat....not if i could help it as the ramifications aren't good if it doesn't work. but it does seem possible to do and get away with it......
 

capecodder116

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
104
Re: alright, read past posts, and just seeing what you think

It's like Clint Eastwood said, "Do you feel lucky?".....If you're a gambling man then do it...I wouldn't take the chance.....As previous posters have said, you have no idea what the conditions are internally and welding applies some serious heat and you could create additonal problems......
 

Cheetah 20

Cadet
Joined
Sep 28, 2006
Messages
13
Re: alright, read past posts, and just seeing what you think

A guy I work with took his cracked manifold OFF the boat to a PROFESSIONAL welder.This has lasted him all year . Nickel stick was used.

My dad used JB weld 4 years ago and it is still good.

You are talking about exhaust manifolds? Corect
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,605
Re: alright, read past posts, and just seeing what you think

The problem is the internal crack that you don't see that is going to get you. If you have a crack on the outside, there is a good chance there will be a crack on the inside.
 

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: alright, read past posts, and just seeing what you think

I had a leaky Ex-Man, water in one cylinder, yanked both, and before I gave them the float test, I looked, checked, filled, pressurized, everything...never did see just where they were cracked.
My point is this...they get hot... expand...and thats my point
 
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