Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

[greg82255]

I have a 1986 Merc 260/ Alpha One and I want to take off my exhaust manifolds to paint them but don't have time to do more than remove them right now. I figure I'll get to it sometime this winter. How should I go about sealing the exhaust ports on the cylinder heads? I was thinking of drilling the matching 4 holes through a 2x4 and bolting that to the head with a gasket. Is there a better way to do this? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[John_S]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

I have a 1986 Merc 260/ Alpha One and I want to take off my exhaust manifolds to paint them but don't have time to do more than remove them right now. I figure I'll get to it sometime this winter. How should I go about sealing the exhaust ports on the cylinder heads? I was thinking of drilling the matching 4 holes through a 2x4 and bolting that to the head with a gasket. Is there a better way to do this? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Spray lubricant in the ports. Seal them off with something if critters are an issue. Use manifolds for template. No gaskets needed.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

Ayuh,.... I just use masking tape...

 

[mohead1]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

I have used plywood in the past on motors that were on a stand in the shop or in a boat/vehicle waiting other work. Keeps the bugs out and just gives a piece of mind. Like said already, manifolds make great template.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

inside the boat I wouldn't see a need to cover them (they weren't sealed last winter when the manifold was on), but yeah, masking tape or foil tape fine.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

Alright, seems like the boards are overkill. Thanks for the input.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

The handy mans secret weapon, duct tape. Either that or clumps of rags with a little bit of WD or clean engine oil soaked into them (keeps the valve stems rust free, and the critters from chewing)

Just outa curiosity, how old are the manifolds, and is this a salt water boat?

 

[greg82255]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

Nope, I use it in fresh water only. I actually bought brand new manifolds this year and there isn't a scratch on them. I just don't really like the black.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

Nope, I use it in fresh water only. I actually bought brand new manifolds this year and there isn't a scratch on them. I just don't really like the black.

Uh oh. Do I smell a powder coating job?

V

 

[greg82255]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

I was thinking more along the lines of Rustoleum.... much easier on the wallet

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

I was thinking more along the lines of Rustoleum.... much easier on the wallet

Can get a do it yourself for not a bad price works great if part will fit in an oven. If you know someone getting a new oven ask if you can have it or use it just before they get the new one. HF sells a kit to do this, you could set oven up in garage then make money doing for others, to recover cost.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

Can get a do it yourself for not a bad price works great if part will fit in an oven. If you know someone getting a new oven ask if you can have it or use it just before they get the new one. HF sells a kit to do this, you could set oven up in garage then make money doing for others, to recover cost.

I figured I would just use Engine Enamel - It's good up to 500 degrees which is way hotter than the manifolds ever get. I don't think there is any need for baking it...

 

[Volphin]

Re: Removing Exhaust Manifolds for the Winter

I was thinking more along the lines of Rustoleum.... much easier on the wallet

Plus there are lots of cool colors and finishes to choose from now... What color did you decide on?

V