DIY Manifold/Riser change

[jhortonvt]

I've been going through a new to me '02 245 WE. Changed the sparkplugs, lower unit gear oil, cleaned the bilge (you can eat off it now). And when I was warming up the engine in the driveway before changing the oil, the starboard side manifold/riser ran about 50 degrees warmer than the port side on my 5.0 MPI. That confirmed my thoughts - I need to change the man/ris out.

I was wondering about how long a project this is (provided Murphy and his law doesn't get involved). I've got really good access to the starboard side, I can lay right down there. The port side isn't quite as good but if I pull the batts back out and move the trays I could probably lie there too.

Second question is does anyone have a reccommendation for online purchase of these parts? Or is this one of those things where local purchase makes more sense? (I do like to support local shops, and I'll check prices there too).

I'd planning to do it myself but I'm think going to get quotes from local Merc dealers to do it for me so I can spend my time getting other stuff done before summer.

 

[H2ONUT]

Easily done by yourself. It took me about 3 hours from start to finish. I did the exhaust flappers and all new hoses also.

*TIP*
When taking off the manifolds, remove the inner bolts first, then install threaded rod, remove the remaining bolts. The manifold is heavy and the rods will help support the weight during removal and install.

I got mine from a guy on E-Bay in NJ. I used GLM and have had no issues with them.

 

[jhortonvt]

I just bought a full manifold/spacer/riser kit from perfprotech.com. Site is well laid out, it lets you put in your serial # so you can be sure your ordering the right part. And the tech support was VERY helpful.

Are there any suggestions out there to make this a smooth project. I've started to spray the bolts with PB Blaster. I've got my Dremel ready to grind off bolt heads if I need to. Do I need anything special? I remember someone mentioning adding some sort of liquid gasket sealer to the gaskets. I've also seen certain torque sequences mentioned.


Thanks for the threaded rod idea H2ONUT, those are the things I'm looking for.

I'd appreciate any pearls.

 

[Leafy Isle]

i have changed these on a few boats... one piece of advice is use the factory merc gaskets, they are more$$ but whenever i have cheaped out with the "green" type, they failed fairly quickly{can't take the heat}... other than that, i would spend the $$ on ceramic coated manifolds and risers...

 

[Tail Chaser 661]

Do a real good search on the best aftermarket parts.
Lots of people have had early failures with aftermarket manifolds/risers. Stuff is made in China :smt009