On a new to me 4.3L (0W324301) I saw what I thought could be a crack in a manifold at the bottom near the mounting bolts, however I did not see it leak. I also saw some rust stains on the manifold just below the riser that appeared to be from water seeping.
I pulled the elbows, no signs of water intrusion internally but the rubber on the metal gasket appeared to be comprised after 17yrs (2005 model year). The manifold and elbows could probably be reused but given the age I decided to replace. The boat is now fresh water only. The previous owner used it in mostly fresh water but would used it in brackish water periodically. He stated he flushed it after he used it in the brackish water:
I went with Barr manifolds and risers. They came with new bolts, plugs, and gaskets. What’s the consensus on using their manifold to cylinder head gasket? Their manifold to elbow gasket looks good, any reason not to use that?
Lastly, the manifolds already arrived and I see they painted the gasket surfaces. I plan to scrape off the paint to bare metal. I have Permatex aviation form-a-gasket for the drain fitting on the manifold and the plugs. I saw some people recommend putting the sealant on the bolts threads as well, I looked in the manual and didn’t see that. The lip on the metal elbow gasket faces up and the restricted portion faces toward the front of the boat correct?
These dry joint manifold appear to be a huge improvement over the wet joints I’ve had in the past.
I pulled the elbows, no signs of water intrusion internally but the rubber on the metal gasket appeared to be comprised after 17yrs (2005 model year). The manifold and elbows could probably be reused but given the age I decided to replace. The boat is now fresh water only. The previous owner used it in mostly fresh water but would used it in brackish water periodically. He stated he flushed it after he used it in the brackish water:
I went with Barr manifolds and risers. They came with new bolts, plugs, and gaskets. What’s the consensus on using their manifold to cylinder head gasket? Their manifold to elbow gasket looks good, any reason not to use that?
Lastly, the manifolds already arrived and I see they painted the gasket surfaces. I plan to scrape off the paint to bare metal. I have Permatex aviation form-a-gasket for the drain fitting on the manifold and the plugs. I saw some people recommend putting the sealant on the bolts threads as well, I looked in the manual and didn’t see that. The lip on the metal elbow gasket faces up and the restricted portion faces toward the front of the boat correct?
These dry joint manifold appear to be a huge improvement over the wet joints I’ve had in the past.
