Manifold / Risers replacement concern

myanni74

Cadet
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
14
I recently purchased a 1993 Glastron SSV 205 in August of last year. It came with a 5.0 Mercruiser. When I purchased the boat, I had survey done by a mechanic at a local marina and he gave it a clean bill of health. the mechanic said that the compression on all 8 cylinders was solid, the motor checked out from all aspects and that there are no leaks or concerns. This has been a fresh water only boat for 17 years and remains that way.

I took it to get winterized by a local mechanic who works mostly on local boats which are salt water boats. After the winterization, he told me that I should replace the manifolds and risers on the boat. He said that he saw some freeze crackers and that they should be replaced. He said that he did not witness any water but that he believes they are cracked on the inside. He also said that he did not witness any rusting or corrosion other than weeping rust lines on the outside of the risers.

I am not sure what to do. Do I replace them and shell out the $800 ? Do I try to do it myself ? Do I do it at all? What can I do to verify his claim and what is the worst case scenario if I don't do and and run it this season and have them replaced in the fall?
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,088
Re: Manifold / Risers replacement concern

Ayuh,... Manifolds,+ Freshwater usually aren't a Problem,...
I see 'em 40 years old,+ still runnin' just Fine...

You should pull the risers,+ Inspect the gasket surfaces...
If their Good,.. Regasket,+ reinstall...
 

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: Manifold / Risers replacement concern

He said that he saw some freeze crackers and that they should be replaced................
..............What can I do to verify his claim
get a flashlight and get your head in under there , or a big mirror if no headroom, and see if you can see the cracks
if they're cracked, get new ones
if no cracks, proceed as Bondo suggested
 

myanni74

Cadet
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
14
Re: Manifold / Risers replacement concern

Thank you for the advise. I am going to do that as soon as I get the shrink wrap off in a couple of weeks. There was one other thing that he added. He did mention that he thought that they may have expanded and cracked due to a poor prior winterization.

Keep in mind that this boat never was stored in the water during the off season.

Is that possible?
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,088
Re: Manifold / Risers replacement concern

He did mention that he thought that they may have expanded and cracked due to a poor prior winterization
Is that possible?

Ayuh,... That's the leading cause of manifold Failure in sweetwater...
 
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