How Long Do Flappers Last?

[TyeeMan]

I was going to ask this in another thread but didn't want to hi Jack the thread.

Is there a life expectancy to flappers? In a properly maintained, never over heated engine what kind of flapper life span can one see.

Also, what are they made of?

 

[Leardriver]

I just inspected mine on my 2004 8.1, and the originals look great.

 

[achris]

Constructed of stainless steel and rubber. In a properly maintained and never over heated engine, 20 years would not be considered unusual...

Chris...

 

[TyeeMan]

Holy cats!! I wasn't expecting that. I was waiting for 4-6-8 years or something.

I suppose a periodic inspection would probably be a good idea.

 

[alldodge]

Might also depend on what type, the old stainless and rubber coated, or the newer mostly rubber and plastic

 

[Scott Danforth]

the new rubber and plastic ones last about 20 seconds without cooling water....

the old stainless and rubber ones last decades like Chris mentioned.

 

[TyeeMan]

When did they change from stainless/rubber to plastic/rubber?

My boat is 97, but it has a 5 year old Mercury Remanufacturing rebuilt 357 Alpha 4-V that the previous owner had installed. New engine, may not have installed new flappers.

 

[alldodge]

According to achris sticky, they stopped the metal type around 1995

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...-shutters-explained-only-applies-to-4-systems

Then went to new style

 

[TyeeMan]

Thanks for pics and posting the link AD. Interesting read.

Right when you would think a more robust part (SS flapper) would be better, perhaps not so much.

 

[wahlejim]

Saltwater or freshwater? Closed or open Cooling?

 

[TyeeMan]

Freshwater only.

 

[TyeeMan]

Oops, , fresh water only, open cooling.

 

[H20Rat]

I've never replaced flappers. Previous boat was 22 years old, current is 16 years old.