196 Exhaust Flap Went Swimming

[ozski]

So the exhaust flap on my 196 went to the bottom of the lake just wondering if people bother to replace them when they let go? I've seen the turned down pipes on the TXI, would that work on a 196?

[oldjeep]

I'd replace it before I used the boat again and if it sits moored in the water I'd get it out of there now.

 

The downturns (silent tip exhaust) are fine, they are an option on Malibus but not as easy to install as you might think.

[MISkier]

I'd be worried about backing that boat up without it.

[oldjeep]

More worried about a wake hitting the back of it when engine not running.

[ozski]

Thanks for the feedback, anyone ever had water enter the engine coming back through the exhaust? I've never seen it happen.

[oldjeep]

Hydrolock, heard of it plenty of times, fills exhaust and then the cylinder(s) with the open exhaust valves. Common enough issue even in an i/o when the internal flapper hinge rots off.

[ozski]

Based on this good advice I undid the hose clamp and pulled what remains of the flap off the exhaust and set about hacking up an old binding rubber. It was dead simple to cut the shape out and use some stainless self tappers to effect a quick repair. Not quite factory but it will probably work for years, thanks again everyone.

[swc5150]

A new flap is $14.95 on Nautique parts. Don't be so cheap;)

[oldjeep]

By the username I assume he lives in Australia, likely not quite that easy.

[DW]

@ozski: Most of the stainless tips either turn down or straight have an internal metal flapper built in to accomplish the same thing the rubber baffle serves. As @oldjeep noted, definitely replace a missing baffle. Backing the boat will also allow water to migrate up the exhaust pipe and potentially enter the combustion chamber as can an abrupt slow down or stop allow the water to rush up the exhaust pipe.

 

If you want to make one, McMaster Carr, a US based industrial materials supplier carries rubber sheets that are easy to cut and replicate an existing baffle. You can go to their website, look up the material & specification sheet, then see if a local supplier can provide similar.

[ozski]

Found a couple of images, the MC ones are super neat.

 

 

 

 

[Orlando76]

The MC ones are only neat because it's dual exhaust. Would look funny on a SN.