Salty Dry-Joint Manifolds

[OllieC]

Good afternoon everyone.

The Sea Ray hasn't seen the MN water with my family yet (see signature below) however I am starting to get things ready for Spring. In one of my previous threads, when I started with iboats, I asked about things to look out for or replace on my "new" used boat.

The history of the boat is that it was my fathers and well taken care of. It's an 05' and has been in S. CA and in the Pacific. It has aprox. 350hrs on the engine which is a 5.0MPI closed cooling with a Bravo III. Someone told me that I should replace the manifold and risers which looks like the parts are $1K. I was also told from a Sea Ray dealer not to worry about it, and don't go replacing parts that don't need replacing.

On a Dry-Joint closed system, would you think the manifold and risers would still be good on a flushed system and that is "closed"? I'd hate to shell out $1K, however worse, would be the cost of a new block.

Thoughts - suggestions?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Salty Dry-Joint Manifolds

Most of the replacement issues are with raw water systems. If your system is fully closed then the life expectancy is much greater. Keep the $1K

 

[Don S]

Re: Salty Dry-Joint Manifolds

If you aren't having any overheating issues or water in the engine issues, is wouldn't be changing them.
The biggest problem the old system had was the narrow web of metal separating the water from the exhaust at the gasket surface. Since that is not a problem with the dry joint system, the problem of water in the cylinders went away for the most part. The second part (the overheat) was when corrosion & rust filled the water passages and prevented flow of water. This didn't happen instantly and you could watch the engine running temps increase as the year went on. If you are running the same temps as it always has, run it.

 

[achris]

Re: Salty Dry-Joint Manifolds

'Wet joint' manifolds on my previous engine (also closed cooling) are still perfect at 18 years old (engine's now in a friends boat so I still maintain it). My current engine has dry-joints and raw water cooling, and the elbows and manifolds still look like the day it left the factory floor.

I'd say take one of the elbows off, if you really need to look in there, and have a look.... I think you'll find it in perfect condition.... Remember to use a new gasket, clean the surfaces properly (and repaint if necessary) and put the new gasket on the right way round.

Chris..........