mcx exhaust manifold leaking
 

I have a 2006 MCX (197 prostar) in which the (black) exhaust manifolds have developed leaks in the centre of the (frost) plug/covers located at different positions on the manifold itself. It seems others have had the same problem. Not sure if they are frost plugs or covers for the initial manufacturing, but the seem to be a welded portion 1" in diameter that have developed a hole in the middle and now spurt water when engine is running (pictures of others :

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/...haust+manifold

can you give any advice to repair (I've heard of JB weld), or replacement parts if available (indmar seemed to think that I could purchase replacement "caps" from inboardonline.com and "press" them into place.

If the manifolds are corroding in these places, does it mean they are corroded inside and will that affect engine operation - can this put water into the block??!

Thanks
Craig Brown
craigbrown8@hotmail.com

I'm not sure how you linked the photos but its going to a 404 error.

They are casting plugs. I know some people have pulled the manifolds off and had new plugs TIG welded in.

Had the same thing happen to my 04 mcx
had Indmar replace under warranty

Casting plugs are your first choice. JB Weld marine is your second. Clean the area real good then
apply the JB Weld...Clean and paint gloss black. Casting plugs are avail from any INDMAR and or MC Dealer

Jim@BAWS

After some in-depth research on this site (thanks to macattack for his input), I found that the exhaust manifolds have casting manufacturing holes that are covered by aluminum caps (welded). These actually act as anodes to the exhaust manifold and corrode over time - even in fresh water.

Tempo fix seems to be JD weld, proper fix: aluminum casting caps from Indmar TIG welded to the manifold after proper removal of the corroded parts.

Once again, I'm impressed with the quality of info and people on this site and will keep using it to help others if I can.

Thanks all
Streak

Have the very same problem on 04 MCX in a prostar 209 I am negotiating the purchase of right now! New manifolds look to be $727 each on mymastercraft.com. Anybody have an idea of the cost of a full set of plugs and rewelding ballpark?

Cheers, Chris

Ok my 94 205 is leaking from a similar place except there are on the sides. The jb water weld route is what Im about to do.

But replacing these caps requires removal of exhaust manifold/risers? Being that is a 94 and I'm not sure when these have been inspected.

Do I run the risk of damaging anything by removing? Has anyone had this done.

get yourself some gaskets when re-installing the headers or risers

You can prevent electrolysis from attacking the plugs in the manifolds by separating the quick drain hose that runs between the manifolds and draining them any time the boat is going to sit unused for more than a couple of days. No electrolyte ... no electrolysis.