[C320-list] Aqualift Muffler

[danny jensen]

Scott,
It is my impression that muffler related leaks are usually not hose related
but are related to cracks in the corner of the muffler where the screw
holes are. The expected life is of a muffler in my opinion is 10 years
depending on how much vibration is going on.  I only bring this up because
because you suspect your leak was muffler related. I have attached a link
to a muffler related project I did
https://c320.org/mediagallery/download.php?mid=20150926070241130.
Danny
#972

On Tue, Oct 30, 2018 at 4:35 AM Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net>
wrote:

> FWIW. Update on my muffler.
> I must have had a loose hose fitting.  Took off the muffler. (wasn't
> "that" easy) Tried several ways to find a leak and could not find one.  Did
> not do a thing to it.  Re-installed it and ran for 7 hours one day then ran
> it for 9 hours couple of days later and no leaks.  (Went to Ocracoke on the
> NC Outer Banks for 300th Anniversary of Black Beard's Death)
> Also had minimal dripping with re-packed stuffing tube. (After several
> adjustments)
> Had a dry bilge when we started.  Then... I filled to forward water tank
> at the marina and I later heard the bilge pump go off.  Dang it, have a
> leak in the forward water tank/line someplace.  Two steps forward, one step
> back.  This should be an easy one at least.   Just have to find it.
> Thanks to all the help working that Muffler issue.
> Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C
> (919)-618-7185
>
>       From: Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com>
>  To: C320-List at catalina320.com
>  Sent: Friday, October 5, 2018 5:53 PM
>  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Aqualift Muffler
>
> Yup, as Doug says you can safely remove the muffler without worrying about
> sinking your boat.  Closing the intake seacock isn’t really necessary,
>  but without the muffler installed you will have no reason to have it open.
>
> Now about that muffler.  We went through this whole thing two years ago.
> We discovered the leak in August and I 'repaired' it.  The muffler design
> is basically a box with a nested bottom plate.  The seam between the box
> and the nested plate is where the muffler fails.  The repairs that can be
> made are almost always a delay tactic.  Very few folks have made
> successful long term repairs.  We limped through to haul out and then
> ordered a new muffler.
>
> In order to get a new muffler you will need to send back the old one.
> Based on my experience with another vendor I would have to recommend
> calling Catalina in Florida or Vetus for a replacement.  Expect this
> process to take a while, and also expect to fill the old screw holes and
> drill new holes.
>
> If your muffler is leaking enough to fill the tray beneath the engine, then
> you will also have water trapped underneath the galley drawers so don't
> forget to get that with the shop vac.  If you haven’t gotten to that stage
> of the leaking process...it probably will get there soon.
>
> Good luck
>
> Troy Dunn
> S/V Wonky Dog
> Hull #514
>
>
>