blown manifold seal 3 times...Hmmm???

r3612 · Soul Rider Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 346 City: Chicago IL

Well it's official I'm on my third manifold seal. Just got word today. Boat only has 85 hrs on it. This time it seemed like we lost a lot of power for the hole shot. Would the blown seal do that? I don't know too much about engines, but the past 2 times I didn't notice the lack of power. So i was wondering if this would occur due to the blown seal.

We kinda pushed it this time cause the noise started to happen as we were out of town so we rode one more full day on it before bringing it in. This is when we noticed the lack of uuummmmffff from th engine. These damn Merc engines are sucking this year for sure.

Well my mechanic says they are looking into it since it's the third one and all. So we will see

Kris

MrBlean · Posted: Aug 28, 2003 2:30 am Post subject: manifold seal

Not familiar with Merc's but is it inlet or exhaust manifold?

r3612 · Soul Rider Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 346 City: Chicago IL

It's an exaust

Shawn Madison · Posted: Aug 28, 2003 8:55 am Post subject:

Did you winterize it very well? You may have a cracked block. An intake leak will make it run really poorly, but I see yours is an exhaust. I would go with a better gasket and make sure it is getting torqued to the right specs. Contact the engine mfg. and inform them of this. You may be able to get some good overhaul work under warranty. If this has happened 3 times, it will most likely happen again without some major changes!

Good Luck!
Keep us informed when you get some remedy!

MrBlean · Posted: Aug 28, 2003 10:06 am Post subject: Exhaust seal failure

Shawn's diagnosis is on the money. Three gaskets on the trot indicates something is causing them to fail. The problem could be with the block or with the manifold itself. Either can crack if not wintersied properly and the hot exhaust gases will exploit this small crack and eventually burn through the gasket.

Running an engine with a hole in the exhaust system affects the back pressure and can do damage to valves, pistons etc. Whilst I understand why you continued to run it, you may not have been doing the motor any favours in doing so.

In addition to closely inspecting the sealing lands of the manifold and the block for cracks, I would have the compression tested as a precaution.

r3612 · Soul Rider Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 346 City: Chicago IL

I haven't had it winterized. The boat is only 3 months old. The reason we kept running it is because we were so pissed. We were like "Again with this S#$%" So now we figured lets run it into the ground cause they obviously can't fix it right to begin with. The boat has been down more than up.
My first thought is that maybe it is warped or something, but a small crack in the block sound interesting. Wouldn't you think they would pressure check it after it blew twice?

I will keep u updated for sure

Kris

Ralph · Posted: Aug 28, 2003 12:56 pm Post subject:

Did you get my email Kris?

MrBlean · Posted: Aug 28, 2003 1:12 pm Post subject:

Given the age, that has to be a warranty issue?