what to check for in exhaust system ?

[arch007]

Attached are two photos of my engine exhaust system.

Appreciate any advice on what should I check for to make sure my exhaust system is safe such as water from following seas, corrosion etc.

Thanks,

arch

[GILow]

Originally Posted by arch007

Attached are two photos of my engine exhaust system.

Appreciate any advice on what should I check for to make sure my exhaust system is safe such as water from following seas, corrosion etc.

Thanks,

arch

Well, the purists would start by asking for double hose clamps at each junction, and I tend to agree.

The hoses look reasonably new but a gentle squeeze to see if they are becoming brittle is probably worthwhile.

Not enough detail visible to be able to comment on the system's ability to handle a following see/not flood back etc. Ours has a tremendously high gooseneck at the stern (at least four feet above the waterline), so some variation on that theme would be good, but may not be practical depending on the boat. Nigel Calder's book on boat systems had some good diagrams I think (sorry book is on the boat and I am not).

Your system is the sort of setup that can easily flood the engine with salt water if the engine does not start quickly. Be very wary of this. Ours has a gooseneck immediately between the engine and the raw water injection to prevent this (and other problems.) It is a royal PITA, but I am (sometimes) glad it is there.

Check levels of all components in relation to the waterline and see if you can envisage any modes of failure that would flood the boat. It helps to have the waterline clearly marked at multiple locations inside your engine bay. It reminds you with every thing you do to the engine that there is some powerful wet stuff outside trying to get int.

Matt

[arch007]

Thanks for your advice.

Is no one else interested in the engine exhaust system and its flooding potential ?

Specifically does the muffler need to be fastened ?

arch

[GILow]

Yes. If that muffler is not bolted/clamped down, it should be. Get in a rough seaway and it could break loose.