34 sundancer with improper risers

[raymondcmartin]

I wanted to let anyone with a 34' Sundancer to make sure if you have the 3" risers you get the 3" extension to make them 6" risers. We have had 4 boats this summer need engine replacement due to this design problem including mine. Unfortunetly you don't know it's happening until it's too late. Insurance desn't pay, because it happened over time.
Nothing 35k won't fix.
Martini:smt001

 

[skolbe]

What model year are you referring to and do you have outdrives or V-Drives?

 

[raymondcmartin]

I have the 34 ' Sundancer with v drives,,,,two 8.1 litre engines however the 7.4 litres are getting hit as well.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Do you have "log" type mufflers or "water lift" can style mufflers?

Also with the 8.1's their cast aluminum exhaust manifolds have been prone to corroding internally, allowing raw water to drain down into the exhaust ports upon shutdown.

What actually caused the demise of your 8.1's?

 

[Summer Fun II]

Was there ever a recall for that problem ??.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Was there ever a recall for that problem ??.

Apparently the issue with corrosion of the cast aluminium manifolds was handled in some cases by Sea Ray. It appeared to be an issue with salt water attacking the aluminum, but Sea Ray had to be pushed into stepping up and paying for new cast iron replacements.

Some had luck with this, others did not. As the third owner of our boat, and with it being 8yrs old, I didn't even try getting Sea Ray to pay for replacing the manifolds. Manifolds are really a consumable item and are not expected to last forever.

 

[Summer Fun II]

I guess I'm a lucky basstard being in freshwater. :smt001

These are going on 24yrs old and nothing has been replaced. :smt038

 

[gwkiwi]

Can you post pictures to show those of us who may need to add the extensions.

I am not near my boat for another couple of weeks but believe on my 05 that the mufflers go up and drop into large round cans so I am assuming (I know thats dangerous) that the extensions are easy to spot if they are added.

I would appreciate your help as I don't want to replace those engines and we are in salt water this winter.

Thanks

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I guess I'm a lucky basstard being in freshwater. :smt001

These are going on 24yrs old and nothing has been replaced.
Quote.

Yes - they last much longer without being subjected to salt! My last boat had Crusader 350 inboards, was a 1987, and still had original manifolds.

I expect my new 8.1 manifolds will also have a very long life!:thumbsup:

 

[Dasch Boat]

I just changed my aluminum exhaust manifolds this October, went for the stainless steel header system from Hi-Tek in Australia. My old manifolds didn't fail but at 400 hours it was only a matter of time. I have two sets of Mercruiser SS risers if any one is interested, Part No. 865331A01, they list for $650.00 each. They show no signs of corrossion, make an offer if anyone is interested.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I just changed my aluminum exhaust manifolds this October, went for the stainless steel header system from Hi-Tek in Australia. My old manifolds didn't fail but at 400 hours it was only a matter of time. I have two sets of Mercruiser SS risers if any one is interested, Part No. 865331A01, they list for $650.00 each. They show no signs of corrossion, make an offer if anyone is interested.

Other than a large hole in your wallet, what differences have you noticed?:huh:

I didn't hear about Hi-Tek's products until after I replaced my original manifolds.:smt013

 

[raymondcmartin]

Sorry I took the picture but am unsure how to insert it.
Martini

 

[rcknecht]

Other than a large hole in your wallet, what differences have you noticed?:huh:

I didn't hear about Hi-Tek's products until after I replaced my original manifolds.:smt013

I have the HI-TEK exhausts on my 7.4... They weigh 240 lbs less than the cast iron OEM I had on my boat... Because they are headersm, and have less restriction in the flow of exhaust, they are supposed to give my more horsepower (I was told it would be about 20 HP per engine)... I have noticed that my boat has more get up and go, but I have no hard data to back my feelings... I went to the Stainles Steel because it was only an addition $400 more than the OEM cast iron, and I expect they will last at least twice as long...