New Risers/Elbow weeping ??

[njsr2002]

Last fall I put in new manifolds/risers. They didn't seem to leak when I put them in, but this spring I see some suspicious looking rust stains around the elbow/riser joints. They are Barr brand and I used the cardboardy Barr gaskets provided. I did not use any Perfect Seal or anything else as per the instructions.

I'm going to try to torque them down again and see if that does it. If they are still weeping after torquing, should I put some perfect seal on them, or do I just replace the gaskets with Mercs ??

Thanks

 

[julietbravomike]

I think most here would tell you that the safe thing to do is remove your risers, clean the sealing surface on the risers and manifolds with something like a razor blade and a wire wheel, then re-install with new gaskets. I personally use Permatex copper spray on mine, but I think you'll get a lot of different opinions on dry vs. treated. Leaks between the riser/manifold can be external and/or internal. An internal leak can destroy your engine - problem is that you can't see it. I used the Barr gaskets also.

 

[hottoddie]

I just installed new Crusader elbows and fresh water adapters. The Crusader instructions spell out in bold letters that the mating surfaces must be filed flat with a "bastard file" before installing. If not done "catastrophic engine failure may result". I was reluctant to do this but went and bought a new bastard file at HD and proceeded to file all 4 mating surfaces for each side (8 total). I was actually astonished at how much they were "out of flat". Took about 15 minutes per surface but the result was worth the peace of mind. I used Permatex Aviation gasket sealer and the Crusader brand gaskets. A local mechanic I know very well only uses Sierra brand manifolds, risers and elbows. Why, the 3 year warranty.

 

[njsr2002]

Very helpful.. Thanks to you both !!

 

[Bt Doctur]

That is correct, the surfaces should be hit with a flat file to make sure their perfectly flat. The silver Mercruiser gaskets work the best, apply Perma-Tex Aviation sealant on both sides and install the riser