Water Muffler Question

[leahcime]

Ok, this might be a dumb question but I'm replacing the mixing elbow on my 28.5 and want to replace the muffler hose. Is the muffler connected to a thru hull or can I just remove the hose from the mixing elbow to the muffler without any harm? Don't want to sink the boat!

Mike

 

[crosswind]

There is a thru hull and it's no easy feat getting to it.

Good news it's just above the waterline so u won't sink!

 

[TDudley]

The hose coming from the mixing elbow is connected to the water muffler. The muffler is then connected to another hose that leads the the thru hull. The thru hull is glassed into te boat above the stillwater line. The hose leading to the thru hull should form a inverted U shape so that following seas or chop does not enter the hose and flood the engine.

 

[Warren Milberg]

Dudley has it right on the two hoses. But beware: the hose from the mixing elbow to the muffler is short and takes a tight bend. The reinforced hose is really hard to bend and there is little room to do it. Having done this job last year here is what I recommend: Once you have the right size piece of hose, submerge it in a bucket of hot water to soften it. Then immediately connect it first to the lower end of the muffler first then snake it up to the mixing elbow. I learned this the hard way....

 

[leahcime]

Thanks guys!

Warren, I will follow your advice with the hot water and order of attachment. After attaching to the water muffler I was going to attach the hose to the mixing elbow/U shaped elbow, then attach the assembly to the motor with the 4 bolts. I removed the elbow that way orginally so thought that might be easier. Any reason I shouldn't do it that way.


Mike

 

[Warren Milberg]

I tried the way you suggest, and just couldn't do it that way. I found it easier to first attach the hose to the muffler, then insert and tighten the four bolts on the new mixing elbow, then attach the hose to the lower end of the elbow and then clamp it. I had to use a cable tie to get the transmission cable temporarily out of the way.

 

[HMT2]

Dudley and Warren have it right. I just did this on my 83 H31. The only thing I would add is to help the hoses slip on lube them a little with silicone grease. It will make the job a little easier.

 

[leahcime]

Warren -

I did it the way you did by attaching the hose to the muffler, then elbow, then the hose to the elbow. No major issues but some uncomfortable positions to get it done. The project is done and I'm in business again!

Thanks!

 

[Warren Milberg]

Glad to hear this story ended well.