OMC 4.3 Batwing Conversion Source

[kpd122]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to the forum. I just picked up a nice '86 Wellcraft 185 Elite last weekend. The boat is in great shape overall, and only 260 hours on the clock. I have a list of maintenance items that need to be done, notably the shift cable and bellows. The other obvious thing that likely needs to be taken care of is the exhaust. The boat still has the original batwings on it, and based on everything I've seen on here, they should be swapped out. I pulled them yesterday and they look *ok* on the inside, but given the drains were completely blocked it seems like it's time to swap them out.

I've read through a lot of threads on the batwing issues, so it's pretty clear that I need the conversion kit with the correct elbows to adapt to the 3.5" OMC y pipe, but I can't seem to find a current source for the Barr kit. Based on what I've read re: GLM kits, I'd rather go with the Barr setup to avoid any sealing issues.

Can someone school me on all the different variations of 4.3 exhaust, and what parts fit the motor? From my research, it looks like I might be able to use the regular 4.3 Barr manifold and riser kit plus some Volvo elbows (P/N 3853372?). Is that correct?

Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

Hey Lou

 

[Lou C]

Yep that’s what you need. I used the Barr kit and the Volvo elbows + hoses that fit perfect. Keep in mind these parts (Volvo) are expensive new like $210 each + hoses. You can find them used (eBay) and GLM makes a cheaper copy. The Volvo stuff fit perfect and still looks new 3 years later. BTW I never had problems with my 3 sets of bat wings but some have. I changed them often because I’m in salt water.

 

[kpd122]

Lou C Thanks for confirming. I know the boat spent its first 7 or 8 years (possibly slipped) on the Sacramento Delta, which is brackish at a minimum. That plus the next owner's 30ish years of ownership with sporadic use and minimal maintenance makes me think it's best to just swap them and avoid any expensive issues. Plus, it seems like they might be worth something on ebay still.

Do you know if the Barr manifolds are any wider at the exhuast ports compared to the batwings? The motor box doesn't look to have a ton of extra clearance.

 

[Lou C]

They are not wider at the bottom end but are taller and wider up top at the elbows. The water passages inside are a good deal larger. Mine fit my engine space fine but it was not a tight fit with the bat wings.

 

[Lou C]

Here are some pix, you can see the later style comes a bit closer to the 'glass in the rear of the engine compartment, but not a huge difference.

http://www.volvopentastore.com/Exhau...view_id.791178
Here's what I used...expensive but fits perfect and no leaks...and you can use easily available Barr Marine exhaust, or any aftermarket exhaust that is made for a Volvo V6. You don't need the extra check valves pictured there because they are for the Vortec engines. There was an earlier style of 90* elbow that can also be used but this style is better at preventing water from getting sucked up the exhaust, they added the check valves because the valve timing in the Vortec engines made that more likely.

 

[kpd122]

Here are some pix, you can see the later style comes a bit closer to the 'glass in the rear of the engine compartment, but not a huge difference.

Thanks for the pics. Very helpful. I found a source for the elbows and ordered the Barr manifolds along with all the other parts I need. Outdrive service and shift cable this weekend then manifolds next week once they arrive. Anyone have experience with the riser gasket that comes with the Barr kit? Is it any good? I've had a few aftermarket automotive gasket nightmares recently while working on my '66 Volvo, so now I'm way too skeptical about non-OEM ones.

 

[Lou C]

This is what came in my Barr kit and what I used, coated with Permatex Aviation on both sides, installed 3 years ago and no leaks.

 

[kpd122]

So now the real question... Do these count as fitting? Barr manifolds showed up today and the fitment is pretty tight around the engine cover. Like less than an inch. Doesn't actually touch but it's close. I'm just not sure how hot they actually get. I do have some automotive gold foil I use for areas around headers on my cars, so I figure it wouldn't hurt to install that as well. Any thoughts?

 

[Lou C]

At idle mine are at about 75-85 F and after coming off plane about 110-125. Keep in mind your boat could have come with a Merc power package and if it did, it would have had the Merc 2 piece manifold system (Merc did use batwings too but not till 96-00 I think) and they would have fit the same. So as long as you maintain the cooling system I don't think you'll have a problem...

 

[PITBoat]

I had to take a coping saw and remove some of the boat's fiberglass on either side of mine (like inside the boat), when I put a GLM system in last summer. And the engine cover itself touches the tops of them if I put it on like it's supposed to be. I can prop it up at the rear slightly though and get it off of them.

Boat runs cooler with the new system according to the gauge, and I haven't had a sense that the surfaces of any of that are getting too hot.