Change of Manifold/ "Knee" gasket

[Lupus]

Hallo,

I have my boat in salty water 6 months every year and on land filled with coolant during the rest of the year. The engine is a Volvo Penta 5.7 GSI with duoprop. It gets flushed with freshwater after each trip I do - every year abt. 50-60 operating hours. I am wondering how often I should change the gasket between the manifold and the "knee" in order to avoid the gasket from leaking. I had new manifold and knees 3 seasons ago and prior to each season I tighten the 4 "knee" bolts. I think it is better to be safe than sorry.

Also when I may do the change of the gasket.... The gasket that came along with the new manifold and knees 3 years ago was a gasket that should be installed with gasket compound on both sides. The new gasket I see Penta has seems like a "metal" gasket that requires no gasket compund..... It this new gasket as good as the old ones or it is just because it is easier to work without the compound.... In other words which kind of gaskets do you guys recommend for being best.

Thanks for a very good forum.

Happy boating to all.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Change of Manifold/ "Knee" gasket

Ayuh,... The things on top of the manifolds are Elbows, or Risers...
The idea of pulling 'em,+ changing the gaskets, is to Inspect the castings where they usually Fail, at the gasket surfaces..

 

[Lupus]

Re: Change of Manifold/ "Knee" gasket

Hi again,

Sorry if I confused people by using the word "knee". I do mean riser or elbow. I do understand why I should inspect but the question is how often you inspect. I guess no-one is pulling them every year ..... and when I replace the gasket should I use the gasket with the gasket compound or the metallic gasket with no compound. What is best...

 

[Don S]

Re: Change of Manifold/ "Knee" gasket

I would sure use the newer Volvo gaskets instead of the paper aftermarket gaskets. Volvo changed to the metal shim gasket because of the old style gasket failing after overheats. Here is the instructions that come with the new gaskets.
http://www.4shared.com/document/N_kJMs4L/Exhaust_Riser_Gaskets.html

Nothing wrong with checking the gasket surfaces yearly, especially on salt water boats. But I wouldn't start that until they are 4 or 5 years old. Along with pulling them and checking anytime you have indications of leaks on the outside.

 

[Lupus]

Re: Change of Manifold/ "Knee" gasket

Thanks a lot.

No signs of water from the outside of the manifolds so I will watch for water leaks for sure or at least change to the newer gaskets after next (4th) season.