Here are some pictures of the exhaust hoses showing some cracking. Since I have the fuel tank out, this would seem to be the time if it is necessary. Not sure how these hoses are constructed so not sure if this is just some cracking in an outer cover, or signs of worse to come. If I do replace, what is the best recommended hose? Is there a more robust substitute? Sources?
Time to Replace Exhaust Hoses?
- Thread starter wufibugs
- Start date
Now that I'm looking at sources, I see that I measured the OD ()2 1/2" but it is sold by the ID measurement. Anyone know what that is for the H31? I also see that it is sold in "softwall" and "hardwall" varieties. I assume that the former contemplates the bend you see in the pictures while the hardwall is designed for straight runs?
Somewhere it should be written on the outside. If not, take one end, like off the muffler or the thru hull and simply measure it. 
I knew my size and length, measure once, cut twice.
Exhaust Hose Replacement with Pictures http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6760.0.html
I knew my size and length, measure once, cut twice.
Exhaust Hose Replacement with Pictures http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6760.0.html
So from the picture does it appear that its time to replace them? I wasn't sure whether the cracking is normal and does not affect the inner hose, or it's a sign that they should be replaced now. Geez, Stu, as you point out the hose size is printed right on the hose in picture 4, big as life. I guess I shouldn't be let off the leash. Woody, I think the height of the arc in picture 4 is about 2 feet and the base is a about 3. Do you think the hard hose would handle that?
Scott, does yours have the internal wire or not? Wasn't sure about replacing so have not disconnected them.
The only sections showing cracks are where the hoses bend. I am wondering about cutting out the bad part and strapping in a stainless steel connector, or taking out the part of the hoses in the starboard locker and bringing them to an exhaust shop as a template to have stainless formed to fit. I would then wrap the stainless in heat shield. Seems like stainless might be no more expensive than these hoses which seem to run about $9-11 per foot plus shipping.
The only sections showing cracks are where the hoses bend. I am wondering about cutting out the bad part and strapping in a stainless steel connector, or taking out the part of the hoses in the starboard locker and bringing them to an exhaust shop as a template to have stainless formed to fit. I would then wrap the stainless in heat shield. Seems like stainless might be no more expensive than these hoses which seem to run about $9-11 per foot plus shipping.
Is the problem with using stainless steel exhaust pipe that this is "wet exhaust" and the hose will actually long outlast the metal? I guess it's question of whether the hose cracking where it bends takes longer than the corrosion would do in the stainless steel.