Moisture in the exhaust manifold
 

Very long story short.

I noticed a little leak where the exhaust manifold meets the riser - just a little drip. I ordered a new gasket and today replaced it. As I was looking into the exhaust side of the manifold I noticed a little moisture on the bottom - we are not talking about a puddle of water - but very little. My thoughts were that a) the gasket was compromised and allowed a little water in or b) The last time I ran the boat it was rather cool out - no it was cold - I only ran about 10 minutes and nothing WOT and shut it down-

I'm thinking that this is just condensation - Any thoughts/comments



It is a 200 7.4 MPI Captains Call and Bravo 3.-- Fresh water

Everything is running perfect - very solid 60 mph starts good and idles like velvet.

Thanks in advance.

3pointstar

I would say more A but potentially A and B. I doubt you have any reversion or cracks. Something to keep an eye on though. Might be worth the price of another replacement gasket and check again in a couple weeks. Otherwise pull the rubber exhaust hose off and check with borescope.

2000? 16 year old exhaust manifolds? You are in fresh water all the time, I assume. But those manifolds ain't young anymore. I have a drain hooked up on my exhausts. I can't see leaving a bunch of water above my exhaust ports all week when not using the boat.

Drained and winterized same as always. Last project boat I had was a 78 and they never had an issue. Fresh water use only.

Derek you drain your exhaust after every use?

I do the block and exhaust after every use, even if I'm on the hose. But....my drains are easy to reach.

I know you are getting some questions about the practice. But I did that when I first noticed the leak. A question that I always have. If it's leaking on the outside how do you know it's not leaking on the inside.

Yes. I have a ball valve in one exhaust water hose, and run a loop hose around back of engine connecting both manifolds together. Raise hatch, flip valve open, no more water. Aluminum Gil 8.1 manifolds stainless risers. One of these days I will get the pantera together and I am planning on doing the same setup on that one too.