Muffler

[HydroTherapy]

Hello,

I launched my C34 last weekend in Bridgeport CT.  There was water coming out of my muffler while the engine was running and the hoses and clamps are tight.  I assume it cracked over the winter.  Can anybody recommend a replacement.  Is the Vetus muffler good?  Also, what is the hose size?  I just had my second baby two weeks ago so I can't do as much "homework" as I should.

Thanks,

David

[SteveLyle]

Two ways to go:
1) Epoxy that sucker up.  Whatever cracked, some West and fabric can fix it.
2) Replace it with the current factory part.  I believe Ron wrote this approach up in the Tech Notes.

Steve

[Isabel#98]

It might be hard to get the existing muffler dry enough to repair once you ran it, but mine leaked at the input port and I was able to epoxy it without removal. Try to see if the water is coming from the top, it's the most likely spot. It's a real bitch working on the muffler with all the plumbing around. Also a good time to order the hump hose 'cause your probably gonna have to cut the old 1 5/8 inch hose to get it off. (Catalina yachts about $40) You could also buy a new muffler from Catalina for about 150.00 I have the vetus catalog and although I havent read about anyone using one in the C34, I like their product. They make an adjustaable unit that will fit almost any boat. I envision using one the next time I get a leak in my muffler. There are plenty of notes on this job here. Good luck, and have fun :) BD

[ran]

David,

   Eyeball the exhaust elbow where the return coolant line enters for leaks while the engine is running. This is a common weak point in the system also.
   Congratulations on the new bambino!

 Ran
 Y-KNOT #396

[Stu Jackson]

WATER LIFT MUFFLER REPLACEMENT

David

The Tech Notes referenced is Nov. 2001.

http://c34.org/mainsheet/pdf/Nov-2001.pdf

Know you're very busy with the new child.  Other things to look for are hump hose replacement & exhaust riser.

Most of them are here:

http://c34.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=search&s=329609511&reqWords=exhaust+riser

Most of the newer information is here on the message board, but the main website's FAQs have some good material on both issues and would be easier for you to find given your limited time.

Stu

[saltydog]

had leaks from cracks where nozzles (pipes projecting up that hoses clamp to) connected to muffler body. Did epoxy/fiberglass clothe repair in place. No leaks in two years since repair.
Jeff

[malgase]

Answered this issue for David Sanner . . . .

Muffler for a C-34 (1986, not 1987, but I think they are the same) is # 10946.  Specification is Catalina drawing number 300-54003-1, "furthest left" configuration (there are three on it).  This one puts the input side toward the engine, output outboard of that, and the two ports at the end just forward of the bulkhead from the aft cabin.  $220 in 2002

Single Hump hose is #80648, $38.38 in 2002.

You may also want to consider the gasket for the exhaust riser coming off the back of the freshwater (antifreeze) heat exchanger.  Removing the riser makes installing the hump hose much easier (see tech notes and project pages referenced above).  Sorry, no part number for that, but Torresen Marine has them (mareinedieseldirect.com).

Good Luck!!

[sanner]

I installed the muffler (part # 10946) on my 1988 (#611)
and all is well.  (Thanks again Michael)

I also installed an 8" single hump hose.
 
The only problem I might have is that the muffler tube is only about 3" away from the exhaust tube and the exhaust tube is slightly angled.  Doesn't seem to be a problem now but I'm wondering if it might be if I change my engine mounts to Vetus K50 and/or K75's.

If it is hopefully adjusting the exhaust tube angle and/or trimming a bit off the muffler tube will allow more room to flex in the hose.

-d

[Mike and Theresa Vaccaro]

Ron's right--the motor is always in the same relative position in space (be tough to hook up the prop shaft if it wasn't!)...but there are a couple of different exhaust riser configurations/designs.  There are two hump hoses available, one is a bit longer.  The best technique is to measure the hose you've got, but a longer hose can always be shortened by cutting (tough to lengthen 'em though...).  You'll probably end up trimming a bit regardless.  

Agree with Ron that you want to be careful not to engineer yourself into a square corner.  Replacement with the same part is always easier (I've proven this theory on numerous, expensive, frustrating occasions!).  

Now is also a good time to check the riser as it may be time for replacement.  If you are going to remove the muffler for repair or replacement (recommend you consider taking it out of the boat and working on a bench), you're only four bolts away from removing the riser as well.  If the riser hose is old, cutting it is the simplest method of removal.  The traditional "weak link" is the moulded fiberglass flange on the muffler.  The vibration translated from the engine tends to crack it over time.

Best of luck!  And congratulations--all three of our kids have been forced to grow up on a Catalina of one flavor or another...

Cheers,

Mike