Riser Manifold Job Gone Bad

[LunaSea290]

Good day all. Long story short, when changing out my manifolds and risers to cure an exhaust leak it was discovered that the "replaced" manifolds were never done as indicated when the boat was purchased. With that said, my motors are 2006 inboard 5.7 350 Horizons with approx. 500 hrs. Where the exhaust leak was it took out the center to exhaust ports on the head. Meaning there is material missing. It looks like a head replacement is in order. I'm not a fan of having the area welded and ground down I'd prefer a replacement head. Two questions:
1) One head or two?
2) OEM or aftermarket parts?
Thanks for any opinion and information given.

 

[Golfman25]

I’d do OEM and probably both. Would depend on their condition.

 

[LunaSea290]

Thanks for the reply. The other head is in good shape. Externally. I get what you're saying though.

 

[Skybolt]

Good day all. Long story short, when changing out my manifolds and risers to cure an exhaust leak it was discovered that the "replaced" manifolds were never done as indicated when the boat was purchased. With that said, my motors are 2006 inboard 5.7 350 Horizons with approx. 500 hrs. Where the exhaust leak was it took out the center to exhaust ports on the head. Meaning there is material missing. It looks like a head replacement is in order. I'm not a fan of having the area welded and ground down I'd prefer a replacement head. Two questions:
1) One head or two?
2) OEM or aftermarket parts?
Thanks for any opinion and information given.

Pull both heads and have them reconditioned. Depending on how much material is missing they/one may need to be replaced, let the machine shop tell you what is needed. But you can get aftermarket/factory heads from Summit or Jegs. Some of the aftermarket heads are better then the factory ones. I would not recommend getting any performance or aluminum heads for those engines, your just asking for trouble down the line, BUT more importantly get a new bolt set and do not re-use the old ones.

 

[douglee25]

Do you have a picture?

If it's literally external on the outside of the exhaust port, I would probably try to go a different route initially.

I'd probably try welding it first. There are some metal epoxies that they use for cylinder/head work when porting gets close to cooling passages. If prepped correctly, it'll last as long as the rest.

Again, I'm only suggesting this because it's on the outside. A pic would help.

 

[jmauld]

Thanks for the reply. The other head is in good shape. Externally. I get what you're saying though.

I’m in the camp of leave it alone unless it’s showing signs of being bad, or it’s time for maintenance. At 500 hrs the other head should be fine.

 

[LunaSea290]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I was fortunate to have a guy on the dock who is a very good mechanic look at the issue. He was able to pre and apply JB Weld High Heat to the area. There's enough mating surface to make a good seal. Gonna give it a try.