oem risers and manifolds
 

i have a 1997 scs scarab 23 footer,with 502 mpi with 187 hours of freash water use,my question is i had my local dealer do a inspection of the risers and manifolds and they said that they were fine just needed new gaskets,can someone explain to me what i should be worried about when it comes to this consern ,i dont what to inhale water into the motor?????????is this a problemo????

Riser gaskets do a lot, they deal with exhaust gas and cooling water. The riser gasket keeps water from leaking into your motor through the exhaust. It is an easy job to remove risers and inspect manifolds and risers and reseal. You should do this every second or third year for meticulous care.
Jim

so in your opinion a set of ten year old risers and manifolds could possibly be in good shape,how long do they usually last

Fresh water and low hour certainly they could be in good shape. Salt water florida boat unlikely. Generally manifolds 8- 10 years risers 3-5 but that changes regionally depending on salt and lay up time. If you have stainless risers its my opinion to discard them. Ultimetly you have to look at them, specifically the surface where the gasket separates the water from exhaust. Its easier to care for exhaust then to rebuild the heads or motor.
Jim

thanks just trying not to have any water issues in the motor ,i told the dealer to replace them if needed,i guess they are not going to rip me off ,they have always been fair with me.