Exhaust tube conversion

[dontask]

I'm planning on installing the "exhaust tube" conversion for a Mercruiser 2002 4.3 Alpha II drive. Any experienced opinions on who makes the best quality one available?

 

[Don S]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

Oem.

 

[dontask]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

Is there only one style? Any draw backs to the tube other than noise level?

 

[Don S]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

The ONLY advantage to using a tube over the bellows is the ease of installation. Nothing more.
The tube was developted to ease the back pressure on the Big Block engines. Your 4.3 does not cause a problem.

 

[dontask]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

What is the installation time difference between the two.

 

[ken_23434]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

What is the installation time difference between the two.

I spent about an hour trying to get my exhaust bellows installed. I did not have the special tool. Spent some more time trying to rig up a tool to do the job. Still did not work.

I stopped by a local boat dealer one day on the way home from work, intending to buy the special tool. They were sold out. I walked out with the exhaust tube.

5 minutes worth of work and the tube was installed.

Wish I NEVER attempted the bellows.

As far as noise difference, I do not notice a thing. Actually, I thought the boat sounded quieter when I had it out a couple days ago. Maybe it's just the absence of the u-joint noise.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

The exhaust tube is the most convenient component to install on an outdrive. I fought with the bellows for a few hours, and no luck. It only took me five minutes to remove the exaust bellows from the transom side, and attach the tube. Personally, I think it makes my exhaust sound a bit better, MAYBE a 3 or 4 dB difference.

 

[dontask]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

Is there no special tools needed with the exhaust tube install?

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

Nope, no special tools whatsoever. If you have a long, skinny flathead screwdriver it makes it easier. On the port side of the transom housing, there is a little hole, and if you put the screw portion of the clamp on the top and have the head of the screw facing port, you can put the screwdriver there and tighten it in no time.

 

[dontask]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

Any noticeable exhaust deposits on the transom or drive as I have heard about? I like keeping things stock unless they are worth while gains (horse power increase is not my focus at all). So that's why I'm trying to learn as much as possible before spending the time and money.
thanks for the responses so far

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Exhaust tube conversion

Well, to be perfectly honest, I don't know. I only ran my boat with the tube four times, and then the gears got fried. I would say in roughly about 12 hours of use, no deposits as of yet.