A bad launch day

[willyshakespeare]

I launched my boat later than planned and noticed the starboard engine sounded off and there was water in the bilge. Turns out the y-pipe had suddenly sprung a big leak, even though it was fine last season. I called the trailer back, pulled the engine out, replaced the pipe and plan to reinstall the engine . On the bright side, it gave me a chance to clean some hard-to-reach bilge areas. Hoping to be back on the water by the end of the week.

 

[Kanye Smithy]

If critical parts like a y-pipe can fail without warning between seasons, shouldn't boat builders be using corrosion-proof materials or at least make these parts easier to inspect and replace without pulling the engine?

 

[gy0z@_grl]

I launched my boat later than planned and noticed the starboard engine sounded off and there was water in the bilge. Turns out the y-pipe had suddenly sprung a big leak, even though it was fine last season. I called the trailer back, pulled the engine out, replaced the pipe and plan to reinstall the engine . On the bright side, it gave me a chance to clean some hard-to-reach bilge areas. Hoping to be back on the water by the end of the week.

one tip from me is to replace all gaskets & clamps. don't reuse any exhaust gaskets, hose clamps, or O-rings you touched during removal or y-pipe replacement. New hardware is cheap insurance against another leak.

 

[willyshakespeare]

If critical parts like a y-pipe can fail without warning between seasons, shouldn't boat builders be using corrosion-proof materials or at least make these parts easier to inspect and replace without pulling the engine?

Thats a very good one! Ive been wondering the same ever since. I hope one day manufacturers find a way to do this, its always prevention is better than cure!!

@gy0z@_grl
I totally agree!! Replacing all the gaskets and clamps is a smart move to avoid leaks later on. Do you have a preferred brand or type of gasket and clamps youve found work best for this kind of job? Also, do you recommend any specific torque specs or installation tips to make sure everything seals properly??

 

[Luigi]

I launched my boat later than planned and noticed the starboard engine sounded off and there was water in the bilge. Turns out the y-pipe had suddenly sprung a big leak, even though it was fine last season. I called the trailer back, pulled the engine out, replaced the pipe and plan to reinstall the engine . On the bright side, it gave me a chance to clean some hard-to-reach bilge areas. Hoping to be back on the water by the end of the week.

Man, that's the silver lining right there, nothing like pulling an engine to force a deep bilge clean. Glad you caught that y-pipe before it got worse