Mercruiser 165 I6 Exhaust flapper removal?

[calvinallen88]

Have order correct part number for exhaust flapper but have not yet changed it due to work schedule. Quick question on it though...

When I google images of the flapper and elbow that flapper is mounted in, it appears to be oval shape. However, on the I6 the lower end of the exhaust bellow (that attaches right where flapper should mount) appears to be round not oval. Is this correct? Did I order the wrong part even after looking up parts diagram?

Is there a easy way to remove the rubber exhaust bellow for inspection of the flapper? Without having to remove manifold or exhaust elbow and replacing gaskets?

This is a pic of the one I purchased.

 

[Campfire]

What part number did you order? Yes, the area it sits in is round. You insert it partially collapsed so that water back pressure forces it shut.

The easiest way I have found to replace the water shutter is to remove the upper exhaust bellows and the exhaust elbow. The rubber of the upper exhaust bellows sticks to the exhaust elbow pretty good. I used a flat head screw driver and some water to loosen the bellows off the elbow. With the clamps loosened on the bottom of the bellows, you can fairly easily use the still attached exhaust elbow to twist the upper bellows off the exhaust elbow.

 

[calvinallen88]

What part number did you order? Yes, the area it sits in is round. You insert it partially collapsed so that water back pressure forces it shut.

The easiest way I have found to replace the water shutter is to remove the upper exhaust bellows and the exhaust elbow. The rubber of the upper exhaust bellows sticks to the exhaust elbow pretty good. I used a flat head screw driver and some water to loosen the bellows off the elbow. With the clamps loosened on the bottom of the bellows, you can fairly easily use the still attached exhaust elbow to twist the upper bellows off the exhaust elbow.

It was part number 45586.

Yeah I figured the exhaust elbow would need to come off. I had taken all the nuts off and couldn't pry it off yet. Figured if its stuck that good I would have to replace gasket and was trying to avoid that yet. Oh well. Thanks

 

[Campfire]

The gasket is very affordable. I think I got a 2 pack for $10. You ordered the correct part number. The gasket for the elbow is Mercruiser 27-52076.

If the water shutter is original, it will likely be riveted in. I used a hammer and chisel to get the rivets out and then I replaced them with Mercruiser part 45798.

 

[calvinallen88]

The gasket is very affordable. I think I got a 2 pack for $10. You ordered the correct part number. The gasket for the elbow is Mercruiser 27-52076.

If the water shutter is original, it will likely be riveted in. I used a hammer and chisel to get the rivets out and then I replaced them with Mercruiser part 45798.

Ok thanks a lot. I'll replace the gasket. I have already ordered the 45586, and have seen a lot of pictures where people had cut off rivots from one side and replaced with SS bolts (since I dont have rivots). Plan to use lock washers and threadlock.

Fingers crossed that this is one step closer to getting her back in the water after sitting for over 6 years.