Repairing cracked manifolds.

[84 Wellcraft Elite]

Both manifolds on my Mercruiser 260 seem to be cracked. I was wondering if it is feasable to repair these or if anyone has done it before? Also I noticed that there are several different brands of aftermarket manifolds available. Are these decent or should I go back with factory manifolds (twice the cost)?<br /><br />TIA

 

[flashback]

Re: Repairing cracked manifolds.

I noticed you had another post regarding a cracked block from freezing, If this is the same engine, then freezing is what cracked the manifolds also, this means they are cracked internally and there is no way I know of to repair them... the new aftermarket parts (sierra etc.) are fine.....

 

[84 Wellcraft Elite]

Re: Repairing cracked manifolds.

Yes same motor. I think the previous owner thought that the manifolds were the block. I couldn't find cracks in the block but sure found them in the manifolds. If a replacement is in order do the risers bust too or is it something that most likely just effected the manifolds? I can't find any cracks in the risers....

 

[zzzzz]

Re: Repairing cracked manifolds.

84-Genuine Merc runs about $189 for the new ceramic coated manifolds..my Sierra/Aqua Power price book shows AP5500 at $175....for the money the Merc is your best bet...if you're getting a price of over $200 let me know

 

[flashback]

Re: Repairing cracked manifolds.

I would change the risers also, it will cost a little more but it will be good insurance.. it can only takes one time getting water into a cylinder to ruin a good engine...........

 

[84 Wellcraft Elite]

Re: Repairing cracked manifolds.

Wow the price I found on the mercs was $300... Let me know where I can get them for $189. As far as the risers I will snap a couple pictures and see what you guys/gals think. They don't look bad but I don't know what I am looking at either.

 

[zzzzz]

Re: Repairing cracked manifolds.

84-Do you have the center rise or the "log" style (end riser)send me an email with year of motor gulfcoast5300@earthlink.net and I'll fill you in on where to get 'em

 

[robwingo]

Re: Repairing cracked manifolds.

I have been dealing with this for several years on an 1981 260 with end risers. I used JB weld and did some reinforcing with metal screen materiel. It seems to last about 2 years or so. On checking for cracked block, check about center of engine, 1 in. below heads, I found a hairline crack 3 inches long on mine this year. It appears to have been there a long time. I repaired with some new stuff I found at www.belzona.com which works great! Make sure you clean and sand area good. Good Luck!

 

[mcpo]

Re: Repairing cracked manifolds.

I have a 1985 OMC 3.8L V6 and the previous owner had a crack in the starboard side outboard side of the exhaust manifold in 1995. He repaired it with JB Weld and it is still intact and working great. i just repaired another two cracks on the port side exhaust manifold with it. This stuff is great and for around $4.99 it's worth a try before buying new manifolds. they'll eventually crack too.