Wellcraft Boat Owners Forum

Hi Gang

I have a small mobile repair business on the South Shore of Mass.

I was recently asked by a potential customer if I would be interested in replacing the manifolds and elbows on his twin inboard RWC 5.7 Mercs.

The outboard manifolds are about a 1/2 inch away from the water tanks on both sides of the motors.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to go about this job?

I’m not a young man. Can’t position my self like Gumby any more and no longer lift motors.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

Misfit

It is a painfull job, especially if you are doing four of them. About 90% muscle and 10% mechanical work. The first step is to drain water out out the manifolds. Separating the elbows from the rubber exhaust hoses is the hardest part. You need something to keep holding the manifold in place as you remove the bolts and get ready for the big lift. 3/8 studs are often used to temporary replace the bolts, but since you have only 1/2 inch clearance on the outboard two, you might have better luck hanging the manifold with hinge pins from a door which you can slide out and then pull the manifold straight up. You can also use them to position the manifold for reassembly.

The manifold to riser joint is the Achilles heel of inboard engines so make sure you know the correct way of installing them for those engines.

Good luck.