4.3LX one piece manifolds

[jcoelho]

New to me 1997 Chaparral with 4.3LX. Just replaced fuel pump and now appears to run fine. It still has the original manifolds - one piece type; freshwater used; engine has 250 hours. Mechanic said they are fine but have been reading and pricing and want to get an idea what I'll need to do when I do replace. I understand mercruiser has a conversion kit. Want to hear other's experiences replacing the one piece jobs - does the conversion kit work OK? Where is the best place to buy? I understand the conversion kit is expensive. I guess if I had know about the one piece manifolds, I may not have bought the boat...though, it's otherwise in excellent shape. Are the one piece manifolds that big a deal to replace?

 

[jcoelho]

Re: 4.3LX one piece manifolds

any opinions/help out there? thanks.

 

[gbeltran]

Re: 4.3LX one piece manifolds

250 hours and freshwater use only, I don't think I'd worry about the manifolds. But, if you do replace them the two piece kit it the way to go, although I do see the one piece versions on ebay all the time, if your worried you could pick up a set fairly cheap for spares, or look for someone parting out a later model with the two piece manifolds and just get all the parts, manifolds, risers, elbows. Need to make sure your engine cover has a little bit of room for the two piece kit, they're a bit taller. I just did this, I have an OMC but the concept is the same, the kit cost about 700 for both sides, manifolds, risers, stainless elbows and hoses. That was at the beginning of the year. I think his Mercruiser kit is a little more, about 900, and it uses commonly available (cheap too all things considered) parts. But if you boat in fresh water by the time those came for replacement you'd have put another 10 years on your boat.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 4.3LX one piece manifolds

If you run in fresh water all the time, you will probably never need to worry about replacing them.

 

[riverratjody]

Re: 4.3LX one piece manifolds

The trouble with the one piece is that they are so hard to test. I'm having to replace mine and it is not cheap. Close to $1,000 for the conversion kit and the manifolds. Not seen any one piece manifolds on ebay yet. I wish I could, as that is so much money!

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3LX one piece manifolds

If you run in fresh water all the time, you will probably never need to worry about replacing them.

Ayuh,... Normally, I'd agree 100%,...
But,...
I've seen 2 motors hydrolocked because those 1 piece units Won't take an Overheat...
Not even Once..

'ell,... I'd rather run GLM manifolds than those 1 piece units... I don't trust 'em,.. At All...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 4.3LX one piece manifolds

I've seen 2 motors hydrolocked because those 1 piece units Won't take an Overheat.

I could see that happeneing

 

[jcoelho]

Re: 4.3LX one piece manifolds

Bondo,

Are you suggesting that I get the conversion kit in the near future and change them out. If I'd known better, perhaps I should have passed on this boat. The boat is in otherwise great condition. Is there anything I should be watching out for in the meantime? My mechanic said the manifolds were fine.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3LX one piece manifolds

Bondo,

Are you suggesting that I get the conversion kit in the near future and change them out. If I'd known better, perhaps I should have passed on this boat. The boat is in otherwise great condition. Is there anything I should be watching out for in the meantime? My mechanic said the manifolds were fine.

Ayuh,... It's Your nickles,... I stated My beliefs/ Opinion about those lovely Batwing manifolds...
Did you notice both Merc,+ OMC decided rather Quickly to drop them,..??
Personally,...
It'd be sportin' 2-pc. center risers before my next season starts,+ My season is about Over for this year...

Ayuh,... The motor won't start because it's Full of Water.......