Just had to show what 2 seasons can do to them. Not much left[ATTACH=CONFIG]566860[/ATTACH]

Wow

Mine are 15 years old and still look new.

I agree. Mine had 8 yrs run time when I pulled them. FL used boat. They looked new.

To me it looks they might have been overheated.

what would cause that? I have never seen that kinda wear before. Mine are ten years old and also still look new.

Mine were 10 years old and looked like new when they were removed.

Electrolysis?

I think it was just a bad batch of stainless when these were made.

Merc uses tubular gaskets from a V6 thru a 6.2 as well just a different style - I have not seen one this bad period from any Merc app nor a 496 and I can honestly say a crap load of 496's have been thru my hands since 2001.

One would have to ask

is your engine stock ?

what type of fuels do run ?

What type of fuel additives do you use ?

where did you buy these gaskets ? and what brand ? Sierra or thru merc or thru Ebay ?

did you cut some of the flanging off making for a less restrictive exhaust passage ?

Surely looks like OVERHEATED to me as well - possible restricted water flow from the heat exchanger end cap gaskets - THIS IS MY GUESS - to be looked into if this was my app 4 sure.. Those end cap gaskets deform causing restricted water flow to the exhaust side as well.

Exhaust gases can be very corrosive as well. Why I asked about the fuel - and your engine set up - does your engine run overly rich ?

I am sure your boating is lake waters ? I am from the same area as you so I know the lakes very well.

what type of gaskets did you use for the top and bottom of the tabulators ?