Riser/manifold life versus engine life

[Surfly]

I've got about twenty hours on my new motor ('94 boat) 4.3 OMC Cobra. With proper care, what kind of life expectancy is there on risers/manifolds? I'm running in salt water, on a mooring most of the time so I can't flush but once a month or so.

Thanks.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Riser/manifold life versus engine life

2-3 years is what they say. I also (obviously) boat in salt water, but flush thoroughly every outing. Mine have been holding up great and still look new on the inside (even though they're in their 3rd year). I replace my gaskets every other year and have a look while I'm at it. So far so good. Are you FWC?

 

[Surfly]

Re: Riser/manifold life versus engine life

FWC? I'm not up on the terminology....

Two to three years seems like a short life, but I'm hoping my experience will be more like yours. Three or more. Good tip on changing gaskets every other year. I'm new to boating so the whole raw water cooling system is strange to me. Bizarre is more like it, but I guess it works.

 

[superpop]

Re: Riser/manifold life versus engine life

If the manifolds and risers only have 20 hours on them as well then they should be good for 2 or 3 years at the most. If you are raw water cooled and only flush once a month or so then I would expect to change them every other year. Saltwater sitting in those parts for a month at a time is going to eat them up pretty quick.

 

[rndcomp]

Re: Riser/manifold life versus engine life

What are the symptoms of a Riser failing?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Riser/manifold life versus engine life

What are the symptoms of a Riser failing?

Poor performance, (at first)...
Water in your cylinders, esp on one side.....
Engine will not turn over......
Water in your oil.........

 

[rndcomp]

Re: Riser/manifold life versus engine life

Well that paints a cheery picture...... I am thankful that I am not dealing with that (at least not yet)....