215 express cruiser exhaust cooling over heating

[Captain Hunnicutt]

One side of my exhaust gets considerably hotter than the other and seems to have less water coming out from that sides discharge. Any ideas? Please help.

 

[TMK988]

The easiest thing to do is to replace the thermostat in the hot engine. The thermostat cost about $20 and takes only about 15 minutes if you know how to do it. It took me 2 hours the first time. Let me know if you want to do this, I'll give you a step by step and save you some time (this would be on the Bravo 3's).

 

[Captain Hunnicutt]

My engine does not register hot. I only noticed it while working on engine. The exhaust manifold is hotter on port side than starboard side.

 

[magster65]

Hotter means there's less water going through that side. You probably have a plugged riser.

 

[Gunn]

The easiest thing to do is to replace the thermostat in the hot engine.

Since your 215EC only has one engine, I doubt this will effect anything, other than your wallet.

Plugged riser would be my guess too; what you're seeing is consistent, less water and hotter exhaust manifold. If you have a handheld IR thermometer you could get an actual reading between the two to see how much hotter it is. It may still be within normal limits, but maybe not.

 

[Captain Hunnicutt]

Since your 215EC only has one engine, I doubt this will effect anything, other than your wallet.

Plugged riser would be my guess too; what you're seeing is consistent, less water and hotter exhaust manifold. If you have a handheld IR thermometer you could get an actual reading between the two to see how much hotter it is. It may still be within normal limits, but maybe not.

Any good ideas on the best way to clear a clogged riser?
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[larrytbull]

best way is to replace it, as well as the other riser. if one is bad other is on its way out

 

[EricW]

If the exhaust manifolds and risers have never been replaced, and you boat in salt water, they likely should be replaced. In heavy salt water use, the manifolds & risers can sometimes need replacement as often as every 3 years.

I am not familiar with any ways to clear out a corroded or salt clogged exhaust riser.

You can remove the exhaust riser on the hot side and take a look at the inside of it.

Make sure you use new gaskets anytime you remove and reinstall an exhaust riser.