Replace risers?

[bronxlatetour]

I have a 1990 sea ray with 7.4 Bravo with 340 hours. I have heard nightmares about risers going bad and leaking water into the engine. Is there any way to know ahead of time if they need to be changed. I bought the boat used and have no maintenance records. The temp always run fine as per the guage.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Replace risers?

16 years old? If there originals your over due for replacement.

 

[bronxlatetour]

Re: Replace risers?

How do I tell? There isn't any rust on them. There is a little rust on the manifolds where the meet. None on the risers. How should they feel? Should I be able to hold my hand on them while running? Like I said, the temp reading is always good.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Replace risers?

Maybe not on the outside but the cast iron starts to thin from rust and corrosion.Even on new risers you can hold yor hand on them IF all the other systems are working properly.For a couple of hundered dollars are you willing to risk filling the motor up with water, hydro-locking ,rusting up a valve stem so it sticks and breaks off.BB `s aren`t cheap but new manifolds and risers are definitely cheaper.

 

[bronxlatetour]

Re: Replace risers?

I understand what you are saying but is there a way to tell if they are going bad or should I just replace them as preventitive maintenance?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Replace risers?

Have them X-rayed maybe.I`ve seen them go 4 years to 12 . Recommended at 5-6 years to be safe.

 

[Don S]

Re: Replace risers?

Take the risers off the manifolds and look. Especially the end where the hose goes on the riser. If the ports are all plugged up, it's time for new. If the risers need replaced because the are original, replace the manifolds too.

 

[bronxlatetour]

Re: Replace risers?

Thanks for the advice.