Merc risers

R

Rick D

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Hello all.

I am replacing one manifold and 4 elbows on my boat. The engines are 1997 5.7L mercs. I have found that the elbows and manifolds are either "e coated" or ceramic coated. Am I correct in my understanding that ceramic coated are for salt water? What is the life expectancy of "e coated" in salt water?

Thanks,
--Rick
 
Are your engines FWC or RWC? If a full FWC system, chances are good your manifolds are fine and will last a number of years.
 
They are RWC and I know the parts that need to be replaced... just am not clear on e-coated and ceramic.
--Rick
 
Question, why only change one manifold? Your boat is a 1997 and if your changing all four elbows you should be changing all four manifolds. The e-coating is OEM and some people like them some say in saltwater the coating seperates prematurely and causes early failure.
Rob
 
One manifold because the gasket gave way on it and the blow by eroded a portion where it meets the block. Likewise, only one elbow really needs to changed but since I got a deal on elbows ($99 each) I'm changing all four now. The other manifolds are in good shape and do not need to be changed.

--Rick
 
With 14 year old RWC motors with one failed gasket, I can assure you that you will be replacing the other 3 manifolds VERY soon. Do it now and sleep better.
 
So which is better for salt water, ceramic or e-coated?
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ted C.

So which is better for salt water, ceramic or e-coated?

Click to expand...


Ceramic are supposed to be better for salt water. But I have spoken to a number of people and whether they actually make a difference, other than in price, appears to be up for debate. The originals on the boat were not ceramic and with the exception of the gasket on one eroding causing blow by which damaged the riser, they have held up fine.

--Rick
 
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