I bought brand new complete CMI E-Top cool collar headers/tail pipes in March 2005.
They have 100 hours on them. Yesterday I find that my motor is hydro locked when I tried to start it. The #6 cyl is filling up with water immediately after cranking motor w/ no plugs to blow out water. I "assume" it is a crack in the header pipe. No water in oil. - sounds like header leak. . . .yes?
Anyhow, "if" it is a header issue, my headers are 4 months out of warranty. How lenient is CMI on this type of issue?


BTW: Almost had a wonderful 45 mile trip home on one motor @7.5 mph!!! But thanks to some friends who went 200% the extra mile, I only had to go about 19 miles. It is now on the trailer, and I am about to remove the suspect header and pressure test it. Many thanks to OSO members: PatrickLHill & Rogman as well as some other friends!!!!!!!!!!

Be sure to fill up the cylinders with some oil so the rings dont lock up OR disconnect the water hoses from the headers and run the engine for a 5-10 seconds to dry all the water up.

DON'T LET IT SIT!

Please keep us updated on this.

Shogren charged me 1500. to repair mine June 08, new boat I purchased in May 2005. I feel this was excessive, on only 1 set, port motor. 110 hrs on motors.

Shogren says he could not get any warranty from CMI.

Sorry to hear about your boat, " IF IT WAS NOT FOR BAD LUCK WE WOULD NOT HAVE ANY LUCK" And yes if it was not for OSO member Offshoreracr and some friends the boat and the wife's camper and tow vehicle may still be down , What a summer.

Sorry to hear this dude! And one week before our poker run.

I knew something was up when you had not returned to the marina at 5pm when I finished up my chores.

My offer stands, if you need a ride.

Sorry to hear the news Bill!

Try and get a supervisor/manager,be nice tell em that its only out a few months, that the boat is only used seasonly, that you would like some kind of consideration with the problem, ask for a goodwill warranty.Goodluck

I had the same problem. Nortech charged me $2000. for the repair. Trashed two new engines!

CMI attitude was we are the only company that makes them so we don't give a sh#t! Oh, and when I said that the seams on the welds are too thin, I got this answer, " yeah, we know about that. We have a lot of complaints, but the policy is you out of warranty even if it was a factory defect.

Another great performance marine supplier in the industry.

Please someone start manufacturing headers that work and put these jerks out of business.

These guys are heading down the same road as GM, Ford, and Chrysler.

I guess the Japs will come in and do it right.

Everytime I had a header repaired it cost no more than a couple hundred dollars at the most.... Find a good welder who knows marine exhaust systems.... $1500-2000 for a repair is rediculous......

PLEASE stop w/ all the Active Thunder HYPE!!! I know you mean it in jest, but it is getting old!! MY EDIT: Sydwayz why did you edit your post? It wasn't offensive.

Thanks for the ride offer Macklin - we'll see what the verdict is.

Obviously I am not in a good mood! Headers pressure checked fine! So I have either a blown head gasket, cracked head or cracked block. Any ideas?

Boat is now in NC and in the hands of Joey Griffin. I hope the Heck it is a head gasket!!!