Mercruiser 160/165 exhaust elbow

[gregg_a_g]

I'm scavenging parts from a Mercruiser 165 (Chevy 250 with a cracked block) to complete a Mercruiser 160 that I got from a salvager. The 160 is very clean - no grease or grime,
oil is very clean. I really just need to get the wiring figured out (the main plug is different),
get points installed in the distributor, and connect the exhaust elbow.

The exhaust elbow on the 160 looks pretty rusty (I think that's why it was disassembled. It looks like the last owner was in the middle of replacing it). The 165 elbow is in good shape, so I'm going to use that. The exhaust/intake manifold on the 160 does not appear to be original. It has 3 holes in the elbow, like the newer 165 parts. I believe the original 160 had 4 holes in the elbow, and the 160 parts list does not mention a "water separator tube" for the 160.

It's fortunate for me that the manifold was replaced, because it makes it more compatible with the 165 parts I have. How does the "water separator" work, and why did the older elbows have 4 holes without the "water separator tube"?

Also, the exhaust elbow to the gimbal (both the 160 and 165) do NOT have a water shutter. Shouldn't I have a water shutter? The 165 has a little mounting plate for it. The 160 looks like it eroded away.

 

[achris]

The exhaust/intake manifold on the 160 does not appear to be original. It has 3 holes in the elbow, like the newer 165 parts.

Elbows should have 2 holes, one in, one out. If you are referring to different holes, you need to show photos or drawings. A 'hole' is not very descriptive.

I believe the original 160 had 4 holes in the elbow, and the 160 parts list does not mention a "water separator tube" for the 160.

It's fortunate for me that the manifold was replaced, because it makes it more compatible with the 165 parts I have. How does the "water separator" work, and why did the older elbows have 4 holes without the "water separator tube"?

I have owned a 165, and been a Mercruiser authorized dealer, and I have never heard of a 'water separator tube' (I can't even find it on google!)... You are going to need to be more specific.

Also, the exhaust elbow to the gimbal (both the 160 and 165) do NOT have a water shutter. Shouldn't I have a water shutter? The 165 has a little mounting plate for it. The 160 looks like it eroded away.

This is the correct assembly for the exhaust tube, with shutter (#7).


If you want wiring diagrams, let me know.

 

[gregg_a_g]

Pic1 part 22 is the "water separator tube" that apparently just presses in to the bottom of the elbow. Pic 3 shows the tube and part number.

Pic 2 shows the gasket - you can see 3 oblong holes in the gasket for the water passages. On the 160, the gasket and elbow have 4 oblong passage holes.

 

[achris]

Pic1 part 22 is the "water separator tube" that apparently just presses in to the bottom of the elbow. Pic 3 shows the tube and part number.

Only on early elbows. Later elbows had a different casting that didn't require a separate tube..

Pic 2 shows the gasket - you can see 3 oblong holes in the gasket for the water passages. On the 160, the gasket and elbow have 4 oblong passage holes.

Again, just a different design. Use the gasket that matches up with the manifold and elbow you have.

Chris.....

 

[gregg_a_g]

Only on early elbows. Later elbows had a different casting that didn't require a separate tube..

Again, just a different design. Use the gasket that matches up with the manifold and elbow you have.

Chris.....

Thanks, Chris!
I do notice that when I look at places like marineengine.com, the parts lists and pictures have lots of "superceded" parts, sometimes 4 or 5 that finally lead to the "current" or "latest" part number.

Also, it sounds like I should definitely install a "water shutter" to keep water out when slowing down suddenly. Someone probably got lazy and left it out when the last one rusted out.

 

[achris]

...Also, it sounds like I should definitely install a "water shutter" to keep water out when slowing down suddenly. Someone probably got lazy and left it out when the last one rusted out.

Yes.