Need new manifolds and risers, merc 454. What brand, and where to buy?

FWIW, and some people will push back on non OEM stuff, I purchased ours from these guys

https://www.perfprotech.com/

I went with non-oem but ended up with OEM for half the parts since they ran out of stock. They shipped me the electro coated OEM stuff at no additional cost which I thought was fantastic customer service.
 
I went with non-oem to save a few $$$ but had issues with them and ended up buying OEM. I would only go OEM after that lesson.
 
kap2 said:
I went with non-oem to save a few $$$ but had issues with them and ended up buying OEM. I would only go OEM after that lesson.
Click to expand...

I have heard that as well, and can't argue with OEM. I will say, even with the non-oem product I purchased (which from by the looks of it is no longer available on their site, it wasn't Barr or sierra) I still went with Merc gaskets. They're much higher quality than the gaskets that came with the kit.
 
I wont state the retailer but the manufacturer of the parts I had a problem with was HGE. I have read about issues with GLM. I'm not trying to bash anyone just sharing my experience. If you plan to go non-oem I would suggest to ask the retailer how many warranty claims he has dealt with on the parts your considering.
 
If you're doing it yourself, take some of the money you save on labor and treat yourself to OEM.
 
This is a job I've done myself many times over the years and need to do again on my kids 3.0 Mercruiser in their 2005 18' Maxum.
I am going to shop around for and order one for their boat just as I always do.
The number one cause of failure in gasoline inboards and I/O boat motors is caused by manifolds and risers/elbows failing. My feeling is getting the best stuff available is the way to go.
 
If you're not purchasing OEM risers and manifolds you're just asking for trouble. I just did both engines myself for $1697,00 from Marine Parts Express.
 
I disagree, the biggest problem is not putting a fine flat file to the surfaces first , and not using the correct gasket
 
The difference you'll see with the OEM parts available is the coating.
The E-coated parts are less $ than the Ceramic coated parts.


I only use the Ceramic but, believe if your a freshwater cooled engine you could use the E-coated manifolds with the Ceramic coated elbows because of the saltwater running inside of them.


Do not file the coating off the mating surfaces during the installation process of OEM parts.
OEM will (/ should) be flat so, check with a straight edge but don't remove the coating.
OEM gaskets are essential.

The best OEM parts place I found is gone...so, I'll watch this thread :)
 
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I went with OEM but bought the e-coated instead of the ceramic coated ones. Regardless of which you choose, they are only coated on the outside and both are 5 year replacement items in raw cooled salt water. I removed the paint from the mating surfaces first and made sure the surfaces were true, then a quick spray of permatex on the manifold to riser to elbow joints and put it all together. I made sure to spray the finished joints with engine enamel and spot sprayed any scraped areas from the install. I always start to check at the 3 year mark and then replace within 5.
 
I don't think Mercruiser makes the ceramic coated anymore. Something about the coating coming away from the castings if I remember correctly.
I had ceramic coated on both my motors in my old boat. They were about 5 years old when I repowered that boat back in 2012. I think that's when I found that the ceramic coated ones weren't around anymore so I went with the e-coated.
 
Both coatings are available in OEM parts.
Mercruiser and Quicksilver are the only OEM brands.
Except nothing else.

I've had great service with the Ceramic parts...but, still change the saltwater cooled parts at 5 years regardless of engine hours.

As long as were on the subject of cooling parts...heat exchangers (engine cooling, oil and trans) are a 10 year R/R.

Better to keep on top of your cooling system before it costs you a whole new motor :)
 
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After a little internet surfing....
Nuwave has very good pricing / reviews on Mercruiser parts.
I'll give them a try in the future.
Thank you CSR :)
 
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