Cracked Manifold Repair?

[baron119]

Hello All,

Just went to get my boat ready for summer and found that I have a crack in my manifold. This was found after the engine was started and running, I started to see a bit of water leaking out.

1993 Sea Ray, Mercruiser 4.3l Alpha one.

My question is this, must I buy a new manifold or can I take it off and have it welded? Most of the Manifolds that I have searched online are going for about $240 or so. I have included a picture.

 

[Muqwump]

Re: Cracked Manifold Repair?

I cant really tell in the picture where the crack is located in relation to the manifold. Do you have another pic? My guess would be to change it out because i had one where the manifold cracked and i had it repaired three times and ended up buying a new one. Also replace the elbow while you are in there. Did you winterize it last year? Also check your OIL ASAP. If it is cracked on the inside, you will get water into the engine as well. Are you running in salt water? Hope this helps.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Cracked Manifold Repair?

Howdy,

Not only should replace that manifold but I would replace BOTH. It's just not possible to weld a jacketed cast iron manifold successfully.

Also look the block over very closely you may have cracks in the block. Since it's a V-6 They have also been known to crack inside (in the valley) below the intake manifold.

If your oil gets milky or seems over full you may have a cracked block.


Sorry about that!


Regards,


Rick

 

[baron119]

Re: Cracked Manifold Repair?

The boat was winterized so I am thinking there must have been some moisture in it still. I live in Washington state, and the temps were oh so cold this last winter. Oil did not contain any water in it when it was changed, I have not changed for second time yet this season. The Crack is on the lower part of the manifold between what appear to be bolts. The elbows on both sides were replaced last year.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Cracked Manifold Repair?

A lot of times when an engine or manifold is drained there's so much rust and sand in there that it plugs the drain valves.

You have to use a piece of wire or sharp small screwdriver etc to poke into the holes to get all the debris out. You should also remove the valves to do this.

Not doing that usually allows some water to stay pooled in there. It doesn't take much.

I even go so far as to connect a short piece of hose to my "muffs" and use it to suck up some 50/50 anti freeze into the engine. I place a pan under the drive to catch it. (mine is closed cooled but I want to put AF in the raw side so I don't have to drain anything.

 

[baron119]

Re: Cracked Manifold Repair?

Well looks like the safest way to go is replace the manifolds I suppose. Now does anyone have any sites that may carry them at a resonable cost? Thanks for all your input. Also does anyone know if there is a aftermarket bracket for the Starter? I have heard that some engines have them, mine does not, but would be interested if they are out there.

Thanks again.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Cracked Manifold Repair?

There's a lot of places to get manifolds. Many mail order places. You might try locally too since the shipping might be more than the discount.

eBasic Power has pretty good deals along with others including right here on iBoats.

I don't know about the starter bracket.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Cracked Manifold Repair?

I have good luck with OSCO price seems to beat most others.

 

[bishop12]

Re: Cracked Manifold Repair?

I welded 1 7 years ago and its still going strong. I guess it just depends on what type of welding process that you use.Mine had a 4 inch long crack in it. Just take it to someone and have the stick weld it.