C-30 Aqua Lift Muffler replacement - Rookie needs help

[kildevil]

Our Catalina 30 has a leaking Aqua-Lift muffler. I have just recently been exposed to sailboats and am befuddled on how to remove this item. I have purchased a replacement muffler and 8" hose from Catalina Direct. Closer inspection shows 3-6" between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. The hose can be cut, but placing the new hose on the new muffler appears to be a problem. Also, I do not see any way to snake the muffler out of the engine compartment.

Is there a thread that addresses this job? I am reluctant to start disassembling without a plan.

have you actually do this job? If so, any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I don't recall a thread about muffler removal in a C30 here.

Have you checked the C30 Association website and their Yahoo group?

Good luck.

 

[weekendrken]

Kil,

Did you buy a silicone hump hose? I that what you are referring to? it's very difficult because there's not much room to slide the hose onto the exhaust riser and get everything in place, so expect it to be a chore!

I have had my Aqualift out (leaking 2x, and 3rd time had it replaced with a s/s can muffler in an emergency repair -- that has been there 20 years) and the Aqualift can snake out. You might need to remove the access door frame - can't recall what I had to do, and a yard mechanic installed the s/s can as my Aqualift blew apart on a crossing to Port Colborne, Ont.

FWIW, a MUCH better (albeit more $$) option than the leak prone Aqualift is to replace the 1-1/4 pipe exhaust riser (which will eventually fail) with the Universal water cooled riser and a side inlet Centek muffler. The compartment runs cool, there's no insulation needed on the riser, and the riser won't burn up as the pipe risers do.

The pic is the dry fit of the third set up that I have designed for and supplied to owners (this on a MK-II, M-25XPB repower.) The riser is red because it was a gently used (Westerbeke red) one that I had and all exhaust hoses are silicone. The exhaust hose will immediately turn west with a silicone elbow and head behind the ice box -- thus freeing up storage space in the galley cabinet above.

Cheers,
Ken K