Yep...yet another Riser and Manifold question..

[SeaSides]

OK, need any of you 290DA owners to tell me how hard it is to inspect / replace manifolds and risers on the twin 5.0's. I can barely reach the plugs on the port engine due to interference with the water tank and have a VERY :wow: cramped engine compartment overall.

I need to pull the risers and inspect as the boat has been on land for two years and I have NO maint records from the previous owner (boat was repossessed in '07), but assume they did little to it. I DID speak with the original owner who did install a Guardian engine flush system on the boat and used it religiously.

Question is, given the boating season in Connecticut is only 5 months long, what is the likelyhood they will need to be replaced? The boat is a 2000 with 284 hours on it and about 6 years of use (the first 4 of which the engine was flushed every time it came back to port :smt038).

I'll look up the manifolds and risers in the manual to research prices, but any comparisons you can offer (if done by a marina or mechanic) would be immensely helpful!

You guys/gals have been a great source of information for me so far! Thanks for all the help! :thumbsup:

 

[Turtlesboat]

If those are original manifolds, risers, and elbows.... no need to inspect, I would just replace them.... Like a few years ago. I would expect to pay about $5k with labor.

 

[fc3]

What Mike said. Additionally, I would not be surprised if they aren't already leaking. The condition of the exhaust system should have been noted on the survey. You did get a mechanical survey. Right?

 

[flflatrate]

replace

 

[Coastal Manifold]

If you are going to run the boat in salt water? Stainless Steel One piece Manifold sets are an option.The riser is built into the manifold. These would make your 5.0s sing.You can add around 10hp to each motor. SS Manifold sets have a 5 year warranty. SS manifolds weigh around 44lbs a set. Cast iron weighs 160+per set.

 

[skibum]

They do make nice engine jewelry, I gotta give you that...

 

[tobnpr]

Agree with above.
If you've got nine year old manifolds/risers on there in a saltwater environment you're on borrowed time already.

It would really suck to have to pull one of the engines to get to them, but it needs to be done. I had a seven year old riser fail at the dock (fortunately the engine wasn't running) and fill the cylinder bank with saltwater. Replacing the M&R's is still easier than new heads...

 

[Jersey Mike]

Better do them...7-8 years by us and we get a brackish water rinse every time we come home...remember rust never sleeps...change the spark plugs while your there...and replace the rusted trim pump bracket starboard side, make some blocks to keep it out of the water puddle. What about sea-water pumps?

 

[SeaSides]

You did get a mechanical survey. Right?

Absolutely! Survey suggested changing them, hence the reason I checked into pricing here....I did a single 5.7 in my old boat and it was around $1500, but this is a MUCH tighter setup.

 

[SeaSides]

If you are going to run the boat in salt water? Stainless Steel One piece Manifold sets are an option.The riser is built into the manifold. These would make your 5.0s sing.You can add around 10hp to each motor. SS Manifold sets have a 5 year warranty. SS manifolds weigh around 44lbs a set. Cast iron weighs 160+per set.

Sound nice, but cost? I'm also concerned about the difference in expansion rates with stainless against the cast block...

 

[SeaSides]

Agree with above.
If you've got nine year old manifolds/risers on there in a saltwater environment you're on borrowed time already.

Salt water, yes, but the first 4 years was fresh water flushed after every cruise (have spoken with the original owner). Last 2 years the boat has been on land and winterized.

No external leakage. Survey ran engines up to temp with muffs and both risers were cool to the touch....no guarantee I know, but I need to get this boat from the marina where they are dropping it in the water, to my marina about 30 miles away.

I'm basically concerned about a failure while running....should I?

 

[SeaSides]

...and replace the rusted trim pump bracket starboard side, make some blocks to keep it out of the water puddle. What about sea-water pumps?

Downright scary. :wow: I'm guessing that is a known problem?

Any other tips for a fellow 290 owner? I'll be putting the water heater up on starboard to allow water to dry underneath it after sanding and painting the rusted jacket.

I noticed you had Bravo III's...interesting....my unit has 5.0's with Bravo II's. Did they discontinue the use of II's for any reason anyone can think of?

What kind of fuel use / hour are you seeing? What is your cruising speed?

Sooo many questions. Soooo little time....and money.:huh:

 

[Coastal Manifold]

Get a tow.

 

[Jersey Mike]

What was the PROFESSIONAL SURVEYOR'S advice? Either replace, take apart and inspect (which should scare you into doing them/or you will have nothing you can reassemble water tight/or your the anomoly). Otherwise ask the crystal ball for your answer! No external rust is a good sign. But not being used probably has some affect on that, mine were perfect externally to about year 5-6, replaced last year as preventative scheduled maintenance. There was water in the bottom of 1 of them (just in time!). Not a bad job if you are mechanically adept, physically fit and of medium or smaller build. Extra hands help but not necessary. Please update your signature, boat size, power, options, etc

 

[Coastal Manifold]

I spoke with the factory about someone looking for a pair of 5.0 SS manifolds and did not leave a call back number?The factory may give an additional discount for Club Sea Ray members.The factory likes to call You, to get as much info about your boat. Thanks for the feedback.