newbie question about mercruiser 305 / Alpha one Outdrive

[kcjefff]

Hello, I am new to boating. In fact, I am looking at buying my first boat. I have found one, a 91 Regal Valanti 200 with a 180 HP Mercruiser 305 / Alpha one outdrive.<br /><br />Here's where my problem comes in. The dealer was ready to sell it to me, but they did their inspection first and found a leaky/cracked (not sure which) exhaust manifold/gasket (Again, not sure).<br /><br />Is this something that should raise a red flag to tell me that even if they fix it before I buy it, I am looking at further problems down the road? Or is it just something that happens and I should be OK with buying it after they fix it?

 

[MooseHootie]

Re: newbie question about mercruiser 305 / Alpha one Outdrive

It happens. Water in your exhaust ports is something to worry about. You problem is minor.

 

[sculbert]

Re: newbie question about mercruiser 305 / Alpha one Outdrive

the flag to raise is the leak actualy just the gasket or is it the issue most people deal with and it is the manifold itself being cracked and needing to be replaced. that is pricer and you should request the leak be fixed first.

 

[kcjefff]

Re: newbie question about mercruiser 305 / Alpha one Outdrive

Well, the dealer is looking at the boat now and they are telling me they won't sell it to me unless they are certain they have it fixed. <br /><br />They are supposed to be going over the problem to tell me exactly what the issue is. The best part is if they decide it is something like just the manifold and/or the gasket, they will just fix it and sell it to me for the same price they originally quoted me before they found it.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: newbie question about mercruiser 305 / Alpha one Outdrive

Jeff, A manifold for the boat is only about $200 and the riser about $100. Both are easy to install. I predict that the dealer will act like he is "fixing the world" for you.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: newbie question about mercruiser 305 / Alpha one Outdrive

My concern would not be with the manifold,sure they are going to replace it and you should not let a couple of hundred bucks stand in the way of your purchase anyway.My concern would be if there were any damage done to the motor from having a bad manifold.Who knows how long it has been bad.Bad manifolds and risers are motor killers.What lead them to this conclusion?There must have been a telltale sign that had them look for a problem.Charlie

 

[kcjefff]

Re: newbie question about mercruiser 305 / Alpha one Outdrive

What led them to it was their "120 point inspection"<br /><br />I was reading up on the issue and read something about wet exhaust rusting the manifold and mixing with the dry exhaust. This would allow water to leak back into the engine itself.<br /><br />Is this the issue you are concerned about, Charlie? I will be sure to ask whether they checked on that.<br /><br />I am actually amazed because it seems like this dealer is doing everything to make sure I am not getting a lemon. I think I may start referring to them as bizarro dealer. I have never been so impressed with a salesman and service department.<br /><br />Hopefully they aren't just blowing smoke up my tailpipe.