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Elbows or Risers or Both ?

Mark McM

Mark McM

Member
Hi All,
I have twin 270 Crusaders (350 block) circa 1983. Have aprox 500 hrs and 9 years on the risers and elbows (Barr Brand) used in PNW salt water, Rinsed and RV antifreeze every Winter.
I am thinking its time to at least have a look at them again.
Last time I changed them, the boat was new to me and there was no mention in the log book about them having been changed.
There was little to no sign of any wear but I changed them for peace of mind and to have a known starting point.

Question for the group..... which is more likely to show wear, the Riser or the Elbow?
My thinking here is to buy one of the 2 before pulling them apart just in case and have them ready to go.
Thoughts?
 
Its not 'wear' but corrosion that is the root cause for the majority of those parts failing....usually cooling issues.

If both parts are raw water cooled, I'd say they are approaching the end of their service life.

Make sure you get the correct gaskets and you should be good...a second pass with a torque wrench after they have gone thru a cold-hot-cold cycle is usually a good idea...
 
Thanks
Yes, corrosion is what I meant by "wear" and they are coolant cooled on the outside I believe. Its a typical Crusader full system from the 80's
PIC5.JPG
 
Indeed...and looking great.

The water outlet adapter, and the back of each manifold, get a gasket (to the manifold) and then a gasket, the blockoff plate, and another gasket to the riser...the key to the gaskets is the tab count on each, and they always go 'up'.
 
The engine definitely does look clean, but 10 years of salt water on cast iron in my world is on borrowed time. If you are taking them apart, change both risers and elbows. Your engine will thank you. Replacing the old coolant and the pencil zincs is also a good idea
 
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