88 Erude exhaust cover warped?

[kman61]

I have a 1996 88 spl (flatback) that I am hopefully going to rebuild for various reasons. One issue I have is not being able to pinpoint the source of water found in the port side cylinders. Cylinder head & head seem flat with in .004" spec. Inner exhaust cover shows over .004" around the center-line water channel but I can't find a serviceability check for flatness on this component. Does anyone have experience with water leaking into exhaust chamber / cylinders due to flatness issues with this component? I replaced both cover gaskets back in the summer but it did not correct the problem. FYI...heads look steamed cleaned, piston domes do not.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 88 Erude exhaust cover warped?

If you've got concerns about the innner cover, replace it. The original is NLA (322689.) You surely can fine a good used one around, there were thousands of these made, they were pretty much the same for many, many years.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 88 Erude exhaust cover warped?

It is also possible that your current cover has casting porosity. You can check for leaks in the inner cover by placing it on a flat surface and dripping water onto the top. Check for leaks. Also, hold a light behind it in a dark room and check for visual signs of porosity. That cover can be aluminum welded. May not be worth it if it's too far out of flatness.

 

[kman61]

Re: 88 Erude exhaust cover warped?

Thanks for the input. I believe I'll be looking for a replacement as my last check shows she's warped over .010".