3 Year old Risers and Mans “need to be replaced”

[KSalibs]

Hi folks looking for some advise... i have a 2003 320 with 6.2 mpi’s.I had replaced both manifold and risers at the start of the 2015 season (spring) and just had a mechanic recommend that I replace them... I always new to watch my temperatures when running and that was a good tell tale of when they are starting to go. I also thought it was 5years on the risers and like 8 on the manifolds... so I haven’t been checking the riser temps as I thought I had a few years to go.. he sent me the pick below of a spark plug that I changed 3 days ago and made his suggestion that I should replace them. Said he didn’t want to even test run the boat. Not sure what that means I never new to check plugs for signs of needed risers /manifold replacement. Not sure if I’m being upsold or if I really need to consider doing them early. They are Barr units which come with a 3year warrantee. Merc came with 1 so I went with the Barr...

Thanks!!

 

[superwa]

Usually 5 years is a good number for these replacements, but a rusty plug could mean that they are going and water is getting to the plugs, which means that something is cracked or corroded with the manifolds/risers. Maybe the ones you got were defective or something, but a rusty plug isn’t good news. Maybe he can inspect them before replacing? at least you’ll see what the issue is and where.

 

[techmitch]

Hi folks looking for some advise... i have a 2003 320 with 6.2 mpi’s.I had replaced both manifold and risers at the start of the 2015 season (spring) and just had a mechanic recommend that I replace them... I always new to watch my temperatures when running and that was a good tell tale of when they are starting to go. I also thought it was 5years on the risers and like 8 on the manifolds... so I haven’t been checking the riser temps as I thought I had a few years to go.. he sent me the pick below of a spark plug that I changed 3 days ago and made his suggestion that I should replace them. Said he didn’t want to even test run the boat. Not sure what that means I never new to check plugs for signs of needed risers /manifold replacement. Not sure if I’m being upsold or if I really need to consider doing them early. They are Barr units which come with a 3year warrantee. Merc came with 1 so I went with the Barr...

Thanks!!

View attachment 54972

Find a new "Marine Technician"! That "mechanic" doesn't even know how to take care of his hands. Proper diagnosis is 85% of the job. Anybody can throw parts at it and cost you money unnecessarily.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Besides, whats wrong with that plug? No rust on it.Find a different mechanic who knows how to diagnose and repair. Plus MR43LTS spark just as good

 

[Blueone]

I saw your same post on Facebook.... it sucks when the mechanic in question responds... Damn!

Any marine aftermarket cast iron manifold or riser is a risk despite the warranty. The foundries used with after market castings don't have the quality requirements, specs or tolerances mandated by the OEMs. Mainly because of the low volume and cost.... If they did have the same quality requirements in place they would cost as much or more as the OEM's. I would stick with Mercury when it comes to manifolds and risers.... If you bought Mercury and you were over a year and there was a manufacturers defect that showed up within 3 years I am sure Mercury would honor it.

In your case you don't say why you have a mechanic looking at things but if you suspect a problem.... I would remove inspect and pressure check just to be 100% sure you don't have a casting or gasket issue.

 

[JVM225]

The OEM’s are usually good for about 5 years in salt water.
The aftermarkets may be a bit cheaper but they don’t last as long.
I’d replace them.
You may want to go for the Mercruiser parts this time.

 

[scoflaw]

Find a new "Marine Technician"! That "mechanic" doesn't even know how to take care of his hands. Proper diagnosis is 85% of the job. Anybody can throw parts at it and cost you money unnecessarily.

X2, figure out where the water is coming from. ! side of the motor ? Both sides ? Could be a rotted intake manifold, condensation, casting flaw at the mani/risor joint.