I believe my boat has the original Aqualift muffler (1985) which has developed a leak on top in the fiberglass, where the hose connects. It looks like the former owners attempted to stem the flow with some liquid compound. It peels off now quite easily! So, has anyone replaced theirs, and with what, and how ( it is in an awkward spot to say the least!)? A Vetus Waterlock(thru West Marine) was recommended by a friend. I have a Universal XP 25 engine.
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Some ideas
Laurie, While I've not replaced the muffler, I have replaced the pipe between exhaust manifold and muffler. I estimate you will need to remove the exhaust pipe to remove the muffler. To ease access to the job, remove the heat shield between the cabinets and engine. An unbreakable fluorecent work light is a big help if you have AC power available. There are 2 bolts holding the exhaust pipe to the engine. My muffler has 4 screws (1 in each corner of the square footprint) holding it a "foundation" on the hull. Let the bolts on the manifold soak in Liquid Wrench for a day, then apply your socket wrench. Once the pipe if free of the manifold, the muffler can be freed from it's foundation. While you have the pipe out, I suggest replacing it as well. Since your're near Bremerton, take it to Rosen Plumbing supply on Kitsap Way and get identical pieces of "black iron." They cost me $25. Then take the pieces to Kitsap Muffler in Gorst where they can assemble the pieces with big wrenches and a vise. This process cost a $15 tip to the mechanic helping me. For reassembly, install the exhaust pipe. Then attach the muffler to the pipe. West Marine also has the hose needed for this connection. Once it's all connected, secure the muffler to the foundation. Good luck. I'm sure you'll get replies with more detail. Wendell S/V Purrin Brownsville
Laurie, While I've not replaced the muffler, I have replaced the pipe between exhaust manifold and muffler. I estimate you will need to remove the exhaust pipe to remove the muffler. To ease access to the job, remove the heat shield between the cabinets and engine. An unbreakable fluorecent work light is a big help if you have AC power available. There are 2 bolts holding the exhaust pipe to the engine. My muffler has 4 screws (1 in each corner of the square footprint) holding it a "foundation" on the hull. Let the bolts on the manifold soak in Liquid Wrench for a day, then apply your socket wrench. Once the pipe if free of the manifold, the muffler can be freed from it's foundation. While you have the pipe out, I suggest replacing it as well. Since your're near Bremerton, take it to Rosen Plumbing supply on Kitsap Way and get identical pieces of "black iron." They cost me $25. Then take the pieces to Kitsap Muffler in Gorst where they can assemble the pieces with big wrenches and a vise. This process cost a $15 tip to the mechanic helping me. For reassembly, install the exhaust pipe. Then attach the muffler to the pipe. West Marine also has the hose needed for this connection. Once it's all connected, secure the muffler to the foundation. Good luck. I'm sure you'll get replies with more detail. Wendell S/V Purrin Brownsville
VernaLift
Laurie, I replaced mine a few years ago with a VernaLift. It's quiet, and I was really impressed with the quality. I believe it sold for about $85 to $110...(I can't remember which, but that's a ball park figure anyway.) Check out the link below: http://www.centekindustries.com/prod_03.html Good Luck! Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
Laurie, I replaced mine a few years ago with a VernaLift. It's quiet, and I was really impressed with the quality. I believe it sold for about $85 to $110...(I can't remember which, but that's a ball park figure anyway.) Check out the link below: http://www.centekindustries.com/prod_03.html Good Luck! Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
Aqualift Muffler
Laurie Wendell is right about the exhuast riser, too. However, based on your description, you may not have to remove the entire muffler, if only the hose connection is leaking a bit. First, you should replace the heavy black hose with new more flexible 'hump hose' which you can get from the Catalina factory. Next, when you take off the old hose, just check the condition of the lip that the hose sets into. Many people have had this problem and simply rebuilt up the lip with Marine Tex. It's a lot cheaper and easier to do than replacing the whole thing.
Laurie Wendell is right about the exhuast riser, too. However, based on your description, you may not have to remove the entire muffler, if only the hose connection is leaking a bit. First, you should replace the heavy black hose with new more flexible 'hump hose' which you can get from the Catalina factory. Next, when you take off the old hose, just check the condition of the lip that the hose sets into. Many people have had this problem and simply rebuilt up the lip with Marine Tex. It's a lot cheaper and easier to do than replacing the whole thing.
Before Your Replace
Laurie Further to my earlier post: Try the link. You may be able to save big $$$$ by just considering a repair. Stu
Laurie Further to my earlier post: Try the link. You may be able to save big $$$$ by just considering a repair. Stu
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