How Bad Does This Riser / Manifold Look?

[mjswan8029]

Hello, looking to purchase a 2000 SR 270 Dancer with 7.4L MPI.

There are no accurate records of when the last time the risers / manifolds were replaced.

The boat is in fresh water and has 397 hours.

I noticed some rust on the gasket where the riser and manifold meet. Is there any way to test to see if water is leaking and has caused engine damage, besides just cracking open the gasket and looking?

What do you think is the likelihood there has been water intrusion?

Would a compression test help determine if there has been water damage?

Thanks!

 

[rcknecht]

Its hard to tell from your picture, but if it has always been in fresh water it should be good. I would just replace the gaskets...

 

[sdleo26]

I would just crack them open and do a leak test on risers, plenty of YouTube vids...have a look inside manifolds, look for flaking rust, if so replace manifolds. I would at least replace risers and gaskets, more than likely they are the original and close to 15 yrs old. if they fail and you lock up motor you will not be happy.

 

[mjswan8029]

Yeah sorry, the forum limited the size dramatically.

Yes it has always been in a fresh water lake.

 

[mjswan8029]

If you break them open you need to replace with a new gasket correct?

I'm just trying to think of a way to check for engine damage without incurring costs before buying the boat...then again, if it is damaged, buying a new gasket for the guy is a cheap insurance policy.

 

[SloBurn]

I would just replace them, for $700- risers and mani's, well worth the peace of mind. 15 years, fresh or salt, is a lot to ask of risers and manifolds.

 

[rcknecht]

If you break them open you need to replace with a new gasket correct?

I'm just trying to think of a way to check for engine damage without incurring costs before buying the boat...then again, if it is damaged, buying a new gasket for the guy is a cheap insurance policy.

inspection camera from Harbor Frieght works... But I would pull the riser for the $5 gasket...

 

[mjswan8029]

Sounds good! Thank you for the help!

 

[magstang1]

Around the Great Lakes risers and manifolds are hardly ever looked at. Fresh water just doesn't have the same effect salt does. I wouldn't be surprised if they were just fine.

It's probably worth a look though.

 

[AMFM3]

Yeah sorry, the forum limited the size dramatically.

Yes it has always been in a fresh water lake.

You can post lots of larger sized pics...when you sponsor the site. It's worth the investment, pays for itself immediately and helps keep CSR online!

just sayin'...

Mark

 

[Bucit]

and if you're being cheap about a manifold/riser gasket hold onto your shorts because the lack of maintenance will hit your wallet big time and sooner than you think. Shoot, a gallon of synthetic blend oil is close to $100.

 

[mjswan8029]

I would plan on new risers / manifolds regardless, just trying to get an idea of additional engine damage that may have happened if they are leaking.

It's not a matter of buying a new gasket, it just simply should I move forward with a survey on this boat given the rust I found on the gasket.

 

[Bucit]

That rust means water was leaking at some point........

 

[OldSkool]

Old Skool is a 76 model and I just replaced the manifolds last year due to cracks at the pitcock area. The internals were still good. Always in fresh water since new.
I wouldn't recommend going that long with yours.