[C320-list] muffler

[danny jensen]

http://www.mammothcondos.com/muffler.jpg

here is a link to pics of my 2004 hull #972 replacement muffler. I won't have pics of my used muffler for a week or so.


-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of pat reynolds
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 11:37 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] muffler



Danny, thank you for all the info.  My original 1995 muffler started leaking at the intake tube.  This broke off when I removed the muffler in about 2008.  I ordered a new one from catalina and asked if they wanted me to send the original.  They said photos would do but the replacement was not the same.  I was able to get it on with some adjustments but two seasons later this started leaking badly.  I was cruising at the time and had it repaired at the nearest port.  I was told that the laminate was thin and leaks had developed underneath and on top. ( I could see the top flexing).  The repair was almost as expensive as the replacement.  This repair lasted 1 season and a half and now I notice water coming out on both the front and rear sides.  I intend to contact Catalina but have already paid expensive entry fees for a race on July 21st so I may have to take this one off and repair it or leave it leak until after the race.  I suppose the
 leaking area could get worse.  Can you send a photo of your old muffler?
From: danny jensen <danny at jensenshouse.com>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 5:14 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] muffler

Sorry to hear about your problem.

I did some research on this subject and found it was risky to use non factory mufflers because of the potential for back flow of water into the engine. Some people have had this problem when using other mufflers. It seemed that the mufflers break in the corners near the screw holes. Vibration may be the cause. Specifically exhaust hose vibration could be a cause of the failure. The secondary cause of vibration may be the glass  on glass mounting. You may want to consider looking at rubber mats and industrial machines use to dampen vibration. I considered this but did not implement this on my boat. However, I did use a hump hose. It seemed like the consensus was to replace your muffler every 10 years to be safe.  

I did a preventive muffler replacement a few months ago. The full article is here and I included some text below from the article.

https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en&fromgroups#!topic/c320-list/nl-h95HWovo

Some owners felt that a hump hose would isolate the vibration from the engine to the muffler.  The existing wet exhaust hose connecting mixing elbow to muffler input was a 22 inch 2 in. id.  I decided replace with 2 hose segments of more flexible trident corrugated exhaust hose joined together with an exhaust hump hose I purchased from Catalina Direct. 

I used this hump hose:
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1023

Exhaust Hump Hose 1-5/8"I.D X 6" (#Z2152): 1 
Item Total: $31.49 

I do still have my non-leaking old muffler but I don't think it will fit your boat. 

Where is the leak and how long has it been since replacement?

Danny
#972


-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of pat reynolds
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 7:18 AM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] muffler

I am on my second catalina muffler and it has developed a leak.  Has anyone replaced the muffler with a metal one?  I have a 1995 model #249