Catalina 350 International Association

Has anyone replaced these parts? If so, where did you get the parts and how difficult was it? Would you do it yourself again as opposed to a marine mechanic? Thanx, Jim

The exhaust riser is pretty easy.

Never heard of a problem with the exhaust manifold itself. What is wrong with it?

By chance a picture?

Thanx for the reply Brett. Nothing is wrong with either of these parts that I'm aware of as they have given no indication of failure. However my C350 is a 2005 model and neither part has been replaced but after 16+ years I was thinking of it a preventive maintenance!! Maybe I've just been lucky because I've never had to replace the damper plate either. Th engine has around 800 hours on it.
Cheers, Jim

I changed out the exhaust riser when I changed the exhaust hose. Went very easy...make sure you get a new gasket along with the riser. I got both parts from Western Diesel who is the distributor in my area (mid-Chesapeake Bay). The riser was in ok shape after 1400 hours and 15 years of service but I have had problems with risers on other boats and did it to be safe. Steve

I also changed the riser-- it takes a beating from hot raw water/hot salt water and the corrosion it causes. Good idea.

But, the exhaust manifold should not have issues, nor need "preventive" replacement.

Thanx folks for all of the good advice. Jim

Jim, there's a similar thread on the C34 message board. The owner was considering changing his exhaust riser but after removing the insulation noticed that it was in excellent shape.

But, from a preventive maintenance standpoint, a good idea every few years to buy the gasket and remove the exhaust riser for a cleaning and inspection. To me it is part of the "service cooling system" which includes changing coolant, boiling out the heat exchanger (new end cap gaskets) and new ZN (suitably shortened, at least on the 2003 heat exchanger).

Remember, it is where hot raw water/salt water mix with the engine's exhaust. Said another way, it is what keeps raw water/salt water from backing into the exhaust manifold and engine.

There is an article in the April/May 22 BoatUS magazine called "7 way to murder your diesel" in which "clue" no 7 is the recommendation to change Exhause Manifold and mixing elbow at the recommended intervals. I perused the Universa M35 manual and could find no mention that these parts should be changed on any schedule at all.

Anyone have any different information or recommendations?

Trevor

C350 2008 #460 TREVI

Totally agree on exhaust riser.

As the article says, exhaust manifolds are much more long-lived.

Brett