Exhaust Pipes for 7.4 Mercruiser

[12guns]

So years ago the pipes in my buddies 89' Arriva 2450 rusted/burned through. He was taking the boat out the weekend he noticed, so for a temporary fix he pieced together the correct size PVC pipe. He did not glue it, just pushed it together. That was well over 10 years and he has had no problems. Since I am doing most of the fixing up on the boat, he wants the pipes changed back to steel. What are my options? I think it will need to be two piece to fit it in there, but not sure. Is Stainless Steel overkill? Does anybody sell a kit for the pipes? What kind of price?
Funny that PVC has worked all these years, but I do think is "muffles" the 7.4 sound a touch! Thanks for any help!

 

[greg82255]

Re: Exhaust Pipes for 7.4 Mercruiser

You have a few options. Is it thru-hull exhaust or through prop? You could just buy marine grade exhaust hose for about $2/foot and some transom tips. I personally wouldn't buy regular steel pipes, especially if you use it in salt water. salt water on steel will give you corrosion in no time. Here's the link to the hose I'm talking about:

http://www.cpperformance.com/c-388-hoses-clamps.aspx

 

[12guns]

Re: Exhaust Pipes for 7.4 Mercruiser

It is thru-hull. Thanks for the link. I guess the PVC that is in it now is just as good as the hoses until it breaks/burns/cracks. As cool as the boat runs, I guess I'll leave it alone. Just thought if I could get a better, more "dry" sound I might put steel pipes back in it. It's not in salt water, so that may still be an option. Thanks again!

 

[fibersport]

Re: Exhaust Pipes for 7.4 Mercruiser

Look REAL close at that link, that $2 is by the INCH! I just bought some 3" exhaust hose from here
http://www.boatersland.com/shieldsflex-ii-250.html , ran $115 or so for 12 feet. You could also get stainless tubing here
http://www.globaltecheng.com/ProductCart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=28 , I have not dealt with them but the prices seem good. As long as you're pumping water out the exhaust, the PVC should work, as it has already proven. Going with stainless would be a permanent fix though.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: Exhaust Pipes for 7.4 Mercruiser

what is the OD?
3" http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=489&step=4&showunits=inches&id=19&top_cat=0
4" http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=7868&step=4&showunits=inches&id=19&top_cat=0

 

[12guns]

Re: Exhaust Pipes for 7.4 Mercruiser

4" OD I think. After changing the oil and getting an up close and personal look at the PVC pipes, I'm going to leave it alone for now. The engine runs cool and these pipes have been on there for 10+ years. Thanks for all the help, just had a change of heart after spending money on other parts of the boat. Thanks!