First trip of season ...oh dear !

[shibbs]

What do the gasket sets cost? I too am now wondering about mine..
I was wondering is it worth on an annual basis taking the hit on a gasket set and taking the manifolds and risers off at the start or end of the season for inspection, is this do-able? Just to give that peace of mind?

[antlouhay]

update,
yep almost ast bad as it gets!! ok not quite !... manifold failed one side water in cylinders and in oil,also suspected head gasket gone or worse cracked head, not able to do compression test as readings all too high with the amount of water around. although water in the oil could have got past piston rings when they hydraulic locked.
work carried out so far !!!! .... new manifold, riser, elbow and gaskets. 3 oil changes, new plugs, bill looking so far in excess of .....???... well parts are nearly a grand with VAT (one side of engine only) and so far about 15 hours labour at full rate as my mate cant do nothing as he works for the guy that owns the boat yard where I moor.
all the above was done today and the boat has been running but timing chain a bit noisy which could be down to the remaining water / moisture in the oil!
I will not know more about the head until we are able to get a true reading when compression testing.
I am now being advised to replace the other manifold as it could be in the same state
all a big shock on a 2008 boat with less than 200 hours. it appears the culprit is the boats previous home in Weymouth

[Ianfs]

work carried out so far !!!! .... new manifold, riser, elbow and gaskets. 3 oil changes, new plugs, bill looking so far in excess of .....???... well parts are nearly a grand with VAT (one side of engine only) and so far about 15 hours labour at full rate as my mate cant do nothing as he works for the guy that owns the boat yard where I moor.

WHAT???? If they have only replaced one side I would begin to be asking questions!!!!

[quote] I am now being advised to replace the other manifold as it could be in the same state [/ quote]

Unbelievable, you never just replace one side and I am not a Marine Engineer, so what do I know apart from a bit of common sense!!!! Of course you replace both sides, it's not their money they are playing with, if you were to call a dealer and get a price for the whole lot it is a damn sight cheaper than buying items separately. Unless they are supplying them at cost then that's a little different, but I would bet that's not the case!

[Ianfs]

Shibbs

You wouldn't need to replace them every year, but it depends upon several things. I am no chemist so I may not explain this correctly but I have experience of many items exposed to salt water galvanic corrosion.
Corrosion is usually worse when items dry out, or there is a lot of galvanic reaction, therefore if they are used a lot then even in salt water the dampness washes away corrosive salts.

However if the manifolds/riders/elbows dry out and are left for long periods the salts eat them away. As I said, replacing them every year, in my opinion might be a little over the top, but maybe 3/4 years might be more realistic, again depending upon use.

Oh and you were asking for costs......£1k ish depending on whether you require risers.

[mark101]

I know nothing mechanically but wouldn't it be cheaper and better in the long run to fit a brand new motor from Repower. Then you have a solid base to start from and keep maintenance up to scratch. Perhaps you're different to me but I would be wary of a rebuilt engine and listening to every "unusual" sound in the panic of another failure.

Sorry if I'm being unhelpful but that's what I would be thinking, especially on a boat as nice as yours.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[shibbs]

Shibbs

You wouldn't need to replace them every year, but it depends upon several things. I am no chemist so I may not explain this correctly but I have experience of many items exposed to salt water galvanic corrosion.
Corrosion is usually worse when items dry out, or there is a lot of galvanic reaction, therefore if they are used a lot then even in salt water the dampness washes away corrosive salts.

However if the manifolds/riders/elbows dry out and are left for long periods the salts eat them away. As I said, replacing them every year, in my opinion might be a little over the top, but maybe 3/4 years might be more realistic, again depending upon use.

Oh and you were asking for costs......£1k ish depending on whether you require risers.

Sorry i meant remove simply to inspect on an annual basis, not necessarily replace. and therefore the cost of gasket sets to do this, not the price of the manifolds etc.

[Ianfs]

Any news?
I really hope it's a simple fix.

[antlouhay]

quick up date... new manifold, risers, gaskets and elbow port side. oil changed 3 times, new plugs. all taking a long time to dry out !! labour charges all mounted up
bill to date just shy of £2k issues to still follow up are timing chain noise probably due to hydraulic lock.
agreed to do the manifold risers etc the other side plus, a noisy gimble bearing and a corroded prop bearing carrier
so this will be my most expensive year yet with this little lot to date coming to circa 5k ......
seriously feel having my boat in a small yard which owns everything on site and main mercruiser dealer and parts, slip etc is not really cost effective feel a little bit held to ransom ! B****dy labour charges OTT and parts I could have got half the price

[Ianfs]

seriously feel having my boat in a small yard which owns everything on site and main mercruiser dealer and parts, slip etc is not really cost effective feel a little bit held to ransom !

Are, I see now! I feel your pain, they start work on it and then you're stuck aren't you. Have they advised that the timing chain should be inspected?

If it makes you feel any better the Gimbal Bearing will be an easy fix .

[shibbs]

Sorry to hear the expense! Hopefully after this you will have a great summers use on it and make it all worth while!!