Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

[Mullin]

I have an '85 capri with the aq125a/270 setup. Went to take it out today and noticed the rubber flapper on the exhaust outlet was being held on by just a thread. I pulled it off and now the exhaust outlet is just wide open. Is there anything wrong with this?

Here is the part: #4 http://www.volvopentastore.com/Lowe...--store_id.366--view_id.784590--viewcart.long

The flapper is not replaceable and the little outlet containing the flapper is $470. Is there any reason to actually replace this part for that price?

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

You can't fix your part? Post some pictures.

 

[raven1978]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

The reason for the exhaust flapper is to keep water from entering the motor thru the exhaust when a wave comes from behind the boat it pushes against the flapper. There are exhaust bellow out there with integral flappers, not sure if they will work for our drives, but im sure someone will chime in soon

 

[Mullin]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

You can't fix your part? Post some pictures.

If you have any ideas how, I'm willing to try. Here is another shot of it, upside down : http://www.marinepartssource.com/ne...54061&mfg=VOLVO&mfgno=854061&desc=OUTLET EXH.

You can see the flapper has a piece that is folded over, a plate is placed over top and they are rivited down. Maybe I can try riviting a new piece of rubber to the front of the flapper and fold it out and rivit it up.

The reason for the exhaust flapper is to keep water from entering the motor thru the exhaust when a wave comes from behind the boat it pushes against the flapper.

So what would happen if water flushed up the outdrive? Could it flood a cylinder and cause hydrolock or something? There is already water pumped into the exhaust from the cooling system, so why would this be different.
Crap, it looks like this is a common piece (mostly in the bellows though) I'm getting the feeling it is a necessary part.

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

If you have any ideas how, I'm willing to try. Here is another shot of it, upside down : http://www.marinepartssource.com/ne...54061&mfg=VOLVO&mfgno=854061&desc=OUTLET EXH.

You can see the flapper has a piece that is folded over, a plate is placed over top and they are rivited down. Maybe I can try riviting a new piece of rubber to the front of the flapper and fold it out and rivit it up.

I'm trying to get a grasp on how exactly it's broken. So was the rubber portion worn out and it simply fell off? I would definitely consider fixing it, since they go for that much on this site. Your housing is intact, and I don't think it would be too difficult to fix. But I would start exactly as you said, by drilling out the rivets so you can pull it apart.

I'll take a look at mine tomorrow to give you ideas.

Also as far as the water in the exhaust, the water from the exhaust manifold shoots out away from the engine down the exhaust. A wave will cause water to surge back up toward the engine. And it doesn't have to be a direct shot at the hole either. A wave will force water up there just by water pressure.

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

I don't like being devil's advocate, but my flap had been repaired already when I got the boat, I repaired it again, it broke, I threw it away and Ive gone two years and at least 40 trips out and I haven't missed the flap in the least. There are also those who say you will burn up an impeller in 10 seconds if you are not drawing water and I know from mis-experience that just isn't true.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

Haven't had the rubber flappers on my 280 drive in about 10 years since the one the drive re-builders put on fell off in a season. Never had any issues with water ingestion, but your mileage may vary.

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

Here is a picture of the flapper on my outdrive, which is currently off the boat, for reference.



Anyway, it seems like a lot of people think you don't need it. I'm not going to argue since I don't have any experience with a missing flapper as they do.

your mileage may vary

take this into consideration. You may have issues if perhaps you load down your boat more than normal. I don't really know.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

take this into consideration. You may have issues if perhaps you load down your boat more than normal. I don't really know.

She's been loaded down 6 ways till Sunday in all sorts of conditions (big waves, etc). My experience is no issues, but again others mileage may vary...

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: Aquamatic 270, do I need this part? ....really

I anchor off the back and have done so in strong currents. (A worse scenario than a "wave") and it has not been a problem. I think one concern might be if you leave the boat in the water all the time (mine lives on a trailer) then barnacles or something might get up in there?!? Heck I dunno. I would say fix it if you can, but don't agonize over it. I cant believe no one makes an aftermarket part...I would be checking that angle out some more...Mine had been repaired with some pop rivets at one point but it just rotted so bad there was not much left.