So hypotheticly…. Or not…Crusader exhausts, is it posable??

[Larry]

With all the issues with the Merc exhaust systems, has anyone given any serious thought into changing over to a Crusader exhaust system? I know that there may need to be some change to the plumbing of the 4” exhaust hoses, but aside from that wouldn’t this be an upgrade to the known issues of the Merc design? This seems to be the weak link in our motors and it is known that Crusader has a better design.

Just something to ponder on a cold winter day in the Northeast…

Any thoughts??

 

[FireIsland1]

crusaders have colsed cooling manifolds . mose merc have seawater cooled manifolds. that would mean a larger heat exchanger. thats a big expense Also crusader parts are pricey and have issues also. There a thousands of merc out there with no problem, including mine. I think we just hear the horror stories.
If merc would actually do extensive testing and stick with what works there shouldn't be a problem at all. It seems they are always changing for no reason and let the customr do the field testing when he buys a new boat.
we all know every tine an engine company used aluminum for there manifolds they failed. so why did merc put them on 8.1's they failed again. Now they made cast iron replacment.

 

[Larry]

crusaders have colsed cooling manifolds . mose merc have seawater cooled manifolds. that would mean a larger heat exchanger. thats a big expense Also crusader parts are pricey and have issues also. There a thousands of merc out there with no problem, including mine. I think we just hear the horror stories.
If merc would actually do extensive testing and stick with what works there shouldn't be a problem at all. It seems they are always changing for no reason and let the customr do the field testing when he buys a new boat.
we all know every tine an engine company used aluminum for there manifolds they failed. so why did merc put them on 8.1's they failed again. Now they made cast iron replacment.

Good point about the exchanger, I forgot that most Merc are raw water cooled exhausts. Mine was converted back when the motors were replaced in 2001 to a full fresh system with larger heat exchanger.

 

[David Morgan]

I have stainless risers on a pair of Cummins B series turbo diesels. (not my personal boat obviously) Nobody makes them out of stainless? No more rust problems. I would imagine Mercruisers philosophy is to not make something that will last forever...they make more money this way.