Should I check and change my elbow gaskets?

[mnm99]

I have 8.1 Mercs and replaced the manifolds back in 2017 (5 years old now ). After EVERY ride I flush both engines with fresh water before calling it a day. I'm thinking of replacing after 7 years. When I replaced my Transmission this month I also replaced the trans cooler. No kidding, it looked BRAND NEW inside. I'm just wondering if I should just take a look and replace the turbulator gasket.

 

[Skybolt]

On those engines the issue is the outlet of the exhaust manifold has a vane in the middle of it and that is what erodes causing it to leak from the inside and over time will destroy the engine. Changing the gasket(s) every few years helps keep that in check. Changing manifolds and risers every 5 or so years is a good safe guard. If the outside of the riser starts to look bad then it's usually too late. Better to be safe then sorry.