Missing Exhaust Flapper

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Scott R. Robirds

Recruit
Joined
Oct 25, 2007
Messages
2
I have a 97 Sea Ray 185 with a 4.3LX / Alpha 1 and am in the process of replacing the exhaust flappers. When I took the port side apart I found the old flapper barely hanging on by one end of the steel mounting rod. Unfortunatley on the starboard side all I found was the mounting grommets in the pipe where the flapper had been. As I peered down the pipe I saw no signs of the old flapper.

The motor seems underpowered lately and occasionally backfires when cold... I suspect now it may be due to the missing flapper that's blocking exhaust flow.

Any clues on how to locate and remove the missing flapper?
 
danond

danond

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
1,118
Re: Missing Exhaust Flapper

Remove the outdrive and you'll probably find it jammed in the exhaust right where it enters the exhaust bellows. You should pull the drive annually for maintenance and inspection anyway.
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Missing Exhaust Flapper

Pull the outdrive and look. Could be in the drive or the bellhousing like the one bondo found in his.

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  • bondo's flapper.jpg
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S

Scott R. Robirds

Recruit
Joined
Oct 25, 2007
Messages
2
Re: Missing Exhaust Flapper

That photo is amazing... what were the performance symptoms that Bondo noted with the flapper in that position?

Thanks,
 
B

Bigdave196

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Messages
120
Re: Missing Exhaust Flapper

Things I noticed were that when the boat was running under a load, the side with the flapper was blocking the exaust flow was noticably warmer to the touch. Upper RPM's were lagging and throttle responce in the upper RPM's just wasnt there.
 
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