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Header drain???

Old 05-04-2008, 07:47 AM
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Default Header drain???

As I'm learning more & more about my "new to me" Prowler, & the in's & out's with it...It brings me to a question I have about the headers on the 525SC (I'm assuming they are CMI's)...
I've read & heard about the "issues" with the late model header systems on the 525EFI, & I do realize they are different headers, & it seems that there is advice about draing the headers after each use. So, I started looking at my headers. I do in-fact, have a tube running along the bottom & there is a plug at the end of it. Is this where folks are installing petcocks for draining?
Second part of the question....
I've also heard of folks installing dump fittings in the transom & connecting them to the headers for this purpose. With that set-up, do the headers drain constantly, or is there a petcock that controls this?
Thanks for the input...Again, just trying to learn bout my "new to me" boat...
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Old 05-04-2008, 01:09 PM
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525SC headers are standard CMI E tops. The don't have the issues of 525EFI headers and half the price. Treat them as any other HP exhaust.
If you're in salt water, flush the engine VERY well. The intake is aluminum and salt will eat away around the water passages. My 525SC was in salt for about 200hrs before I got it and when I pulled it apart at 350hrs, the intake needed to be welded up. It was close to major failure.
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Old 10-27-2015, 05:35 PM
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Any more info on this drain through transom job
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Old 10-27-2015, 07:54 PM
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Natural gas petcocks on the water feeder tube is cheap insurance. .if the header leaks it goes in the cylinder. .drained no problem. ..just educated opinion on the matter. .it's not If they are going to fail..just when...
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Old 10-27-2015, 08:59 PM
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I have them on my boat and they have worked flawlessly for many years. When the engines are running there is enough pressure that the water doesn't go down the drains but as soon as you shut down, it just trickles all the trapped water right out so there is a huge reduction in the chance of reversion or leaks into the motors.

You can see them just above the waterline by the tabs.
Attached Thumbnails Header drain???-415.jpg   Header drain???-tampa-spring-2013.jpg  
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Old 10-28-2015, 08:54 AM
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My CMI's (525efi) had the blue thumb screws at the end of the rails. I just unscrewed and left them out after I flushed. I have Stainless marine now and just disconnect the hoses at the bottom of the manifolds when the boat is not in use.
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Old 10-28-2015, 09:57 AM
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I have ball valves at the end of the distribution rails of each of my headers. When I'm done flushing and the headers are cool, I open the valves and let all of the water out. CMI recommends against a full time open drain system as the risk is there that it may bleed off cooling water. I'm not disputing Tom A's success with his system; just reiterating what I was told from CMI. I do think though that the lack of bleed on Tom's system is due to the fittings he's used... might be helpful to see a picture of your setup Tom from the inside...

Last edited by HyFive578; 10-28-2015 at 10:00 AM.
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Old 10-28-2015, 03:15 PM
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I found a pic that shows the drain tube set up (ignore the dirty bilge!).
I am not sure of the size fittings as Ron Potter set it all up, but it is reduced to something smaller than the factory outlet.

I was skeptical about it at first but trusting Ron and after seeing it not bleed a drop (even on a hose), I was convinced.
Once the engines are shut off, it takes a a minute or two before anything starts dripping out of them but it definitely works.

Here is a link to an idling video but you can't really see the drains.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQmNI20NSCU
Attached Thumbnails Header drain???-sea-strainers.jpg  

Last edited by Tom A.; 10-28-2015 at 03:18 PM.
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Old 10-28-2015, 11:45 PM
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Anyone know of any electrically operated valves? I have drains on mine but it's a pain crawling around the engines to reach them.
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Old 10-29-2015, 08:43 AM
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Id rather have all my parts under water then let oxygen at em to start the rust process.
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