spring time

[rbh]

Hello-
fairly new to boating, boat has twin 260 hp mercs.
and its time to pull it out and and get it ready for spring. exaust bellows? last year on one leg, came off of the leg but is still attached to the boat side. replace with new or remove both sides completly to let the motors breath better (straight pipes)
oem plug wires or jobbers as well as plugs-platinum or regs
thanks r

 

[slasmith1]

Re: spring time

replace the bellows
I prefer oem plugs and wires but you may get some other opinions.
did i mention replace the bellows.

 

[rbh]

Re: spring time

Hi there slasmith1-
as for the rubber bellows pipe/hose is it a noise or heat thing
thanks r

 

[Don S]

Re: spring time

The exhaust bellows directs the exhaust thru the prop. Without it, the exhaust just goes were it wants and may get into the prop wash and promote cavitation.
The props were designed to have the exhaust go thru it and is designed into how the prop works.

PS: With the exhaust bellows in place, it keeps the exhuast off the outside of the outdrive.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: spring time

what don said and noise it is much more pleasant with the exhaust exiting below the water

 

[rbh]

Re: spring time

Hi and thanks Dons.
great to get a straight answer. I see that both you and slasmith are from wash st we hauled this boat up to the interier of bc a year ago and there is only so many marinas on some of the big lakes I realize that a marine engine should be treated more like a gen set than a car motor because of the constant rpms. point is 30w is easier to get than marine/merc oil
thought on this

 

[Don S]

Re: spring time

If you can't get Mercs 25W40, Mercs recommendation is to use a straight weight oil.
I used 30W in mine all year long when I lived in Ketchikan AK.