I have four full seasons on my Hi-Tek system and have had no problems at all. Sacrificial anodes are working as they should, and there are zero sign of rust. As I've stated in past posts I did not use the made in China supplied gaskets that came with the manifolds instead opting for Mercruiser gaskets and have experienced no exhaust leaks or cracks. In addition I used all stainless hardware including lock washers on the original install with none coming loose. I expect to get many more seasons out of them and have yet to see a downside to the H-Tek system (Plus there's the cool factor when the hatch is open).
Stainless Steel Manifold Hi-Tek Past Experience and recommendations?
rcknecht
Well-Known Member
I used Mercruiser gaskets, stainless steel bolts with lock washers, I change the zincs every year, and all four of the flanges cracked, and the brackets holding the remote oil filters have leaked water at the welds... I intalled two new replacement supplied by Allen... Repaired two of the of the old cracked manifolds and they are now reinstalled. Mine are four years old, and I have two leaking exhaust gases now. They are light, and Allen was very helpful... I thought I would get a longer life... I hope the more recently made manifolds will be better than mine.... One positive, is I am very proffient on getting them on and off...
Hi Rod, you may remember that you steered me to Allen back when I was changing my aluminum manifolds out and that they sent me a set for IO's instead of V-Drives originally so I know Hi-Tech is far from perfect. Mine are probably a year newer than your original set and maybe there's a difference in the flange thickness between the 7.4 and 8.1 units which would account for the cracking. Anyways sorry to hear of the continuing issues your having.
rcknecht
Well-Known Member
I don't mean to sound like I am complaining... For some the weight and proformance improvement may be worth the risk... I hope you continue to have no issues... I will go with OEM next year when I replace them... It was an enlightening experience, and not my worst boating investment...
Bucit
New Member
- Mar 12, 2010
- 3,144
- Boat Info
- 2005 280 Sundancer
2004 SPD-104 Achilles w/ 8hp Yamaha
- Engines
- Twin 4.3 MPI's with Alpha drives.
They work well on the 4.3l motors but they are a PITA to install and then remove if you have problems. I've got 3 years on mine and they looked good when we removed and inspected them. No rust anywhere. Ask Kevin27 about removal/reinstallation. I think he wants to install them for a living? :grin:
rcknecht
Well-Known Member
They come off best with a Saws All... At least they don't weigh much...
