[C320-list] Muffler leaks and drainage

[Ken Geiger]

The Muffler box on #765 Northern Dream does drain out water when the Pet cock (Aft lower starboard corner) is removed for winterizing. Engine is not running.   Valve will not open as it is seized shut so I just remove it. 

Regards

Ken Geiger
 

---- Original Message ----
From: Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Fri, Jan 13, 2017 3:53 pm
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Muffler leaks and drainage

I'll be interested in this thread because the petcock on our muffler, too, can be open when running and nothing comes out. For winterizing purposes, I've tried to drain the muffler with nothing coming out. I have removed the petcock and inserted a coat hanger in to see if there is some obstruction--nothing. I can't know what is inside this thing; but, from the expected design there is no reason why I shouldn't get exhaust and water coming out when running.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Graeme Clark [mailto:cg at skyflyer.co.uk] 
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2017 2:49 PM
To: Catalina list
Subject: [C320-list] Muffler leaks and drainage

Last summer, after motoring any length of time, we would get a diesel fuel smell in the aft cabin and  - i noticed  also - more strongly under the galley sink.
I know I don't have a fuel leak and I know that the exhaust system is good as far as the muffler.

I therefore am assuming either a leak from the muffler or from the exhaust hose itself, which is I think the original fit from 20 years ago and therefor probably perished!

So I will be replacing the exhaust hose and have removed the muffler to inspect at home. There is no immediate obvious sign of a leak but it isn't under any pressure, of course. Any suggestions as how to best test it?  Even if it isn't leaking I thought I might take the opportunity whilst out of the boat, to reinforce any weaker areas with glass mat and resin. But what ARE the weaker areas? I know others here have had problems with these mufflers on and off over the years.

Finally, there is what i assume to be a T-shaped drain tap on the side of the muffler, but I was surprised to find it in the fully unscrewed position (in other words fully counter clockwise). has it vibrated open, is that the ‘leak' - or does this drain valve work in the reverse sense to ‘normal’?

Thanks in advance for any guidance

Graeme
#366, 1996, Oskar, Falmouth UK

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