Author Topic: Exhaust Hoses (Read 1419 times)

Rambling Wreck · « **on:** March 21, 2016, 16:32:34 pm »

Hey guys,

Well, the timing belt replacement got done before last season so it is time to roll up the sleeves and tackle the exhaust hoses. I haven't had any indication of a problem but folks here seem to think it is time. A few questions:

1. I want to confirm that the hoses for the Epic 21 are 3in ID in the following lengths: 2 sections of 22 in, 2 sections of 25 in and 1 section of 16 in.

2. Are we talking about hoses similar to either SHIELDSFLEX 3" ID MARINE BOAT WET EXHAUST HOSE WIRE REINFORCED or Trident Flex Series 100/250 Wired Wet Exhaust & Water Hose?

3. In 2009, someone posted that they found hose for 63 cents/in but I am finding prices around $1.10/in for Shieldflex to $1.66 for Trident. Is this about right? Is the Trident worth the extra money?

As always, looking forward to the feedback you guys provide.

tryme · « **Reply #1 on:** March 22, 2016, 16:53:14 pm »

scary I was just about to post this. I am doing the timing belt this spring along with shaft packing and hoses. I had one fail a couple years ago and you reminded me that I should do all of them again. what process did you use for the timing belt? did you have to use a stearing wheel puller to get the crank pulley off?

Rambling Wreck · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2016, 00:54:57 am »

Luckily I knew a boat mechanic that wanted to do the timing belt. I bought a parts "package" from Rock Auto, per the advice of 2 Tall, and printed out the great instructions posted by DRHRSH. There are 2 parts packages at Rock Auto. I can't recall which one I got but if you want to go that route, I will look it up and post it. I bought the kit and 16 plugs for $230 so it wasn't expensive. The only bump in the road was a frozen crankshaft pulley but I found a video on YouTube that showed how to use a cheater bar while bumping the starter. He said it worked like a charm. The timing belt had very little wear but the mechanic felt I was on borrowed time with the water pump. I didn't think it looked too bad but glad it is all done.

I am about to pull the trigger on the Shieldsflex hose unless someone points me in a different direction. The hoses I need, cut to size
and including shipping, will be $156.20.

cyclone · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2016, 03:37:30 am »

I've replaced them several times, its not fun. I noticed that there are basically two types of hose, the straight type which is in the bilge and the corrugated type which is usually the type connected directly to the exhaust manifold. You need to use the corrugated type at the exhaust manifolds, regardless what the factory used on your boat. You can't bend the straight type into place. The factory used both types, if you have the engine out and are dropping it in, no problem. If the engine is bolted in the boat you have to use the corrugated type so you can bend it a bit when installing without damaging it.

Ron, let me know when you want to do it and Iwill run up there and give you a hand;)

jhardy3 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2016, 15:01:38 pm »

This is something I need to look into doing this season since I dont know the last time they were replaced.

Wreck, please let us know where you end up buying the hoses from and how the install goes. Sounds like it is a pain, but worth the piece of mind.

tryme · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2016, 16:03:23 pm »

when mine blew out it actually pulled the hose off the manifold. scared the crap out of me loud and water all over. literally rubber inside pulled off the wall. only did the one now I am going to do all of them now that it was brought up again.

Rambling Wreck · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2016, 17:42:10 pm »

I bought the hoses off EBay form a seller known as boatman2zq8. I don't know if I should post a direct link so cut and paste "3" ID MARINE BOAT WET EXHAUST HOSE WIRE REINFORCED PREMIUM MPI BRAND PER INCH" and you will get to the right spot. The cost was $1.10 per inch. Shipping was also priced per inch and struck me as high but the total cost was super competitive. The hose was cut to the specs I gave him and shipped the same day I ordered. The hose arrived several days earlier than the tracking receipt indicted. I was amazed. Of course I ordered BEFORE reading Cyclone's post so I got straight hose. The guy also sells what is referred to as "soft wall" hose of the same brand so I might have to grab the wallet and order 2 sections again. I am not looking forward to the project but I am looking forward to being at peace afterwards knowing it is over with and I have done all I can to keep my Epic as good as it can be!

How about Pete for being about as great as you get! Pete, I can sweat and pull and curse through this project but one day would love to have you hold my hand with an issue I have with the sound system. THAT requires brains, not brawn... I will touch on it in another post.