I have a 2008 Merc 350 Mag, B III drive. Just got back from a week on the lake. The last day the engine developed what appears to me to be an exhaust manifold leak. The boat only has 40 hours on it. Is this common in marine engines and is it a difficult repair.

Thanks for your replies

Gene

I recall something about that with the Merc's a while back.  I think they don't use gaskets between the block and the exhaust manifold leading to an occational leak.  Repair is not difficult...they will just install a new set of gaskets, and I assume you are under warranty still so should be a 1 day thing if they can get to it right away.

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Steve Kroesen
Apollo Beach, FL
Kroes Nest

Gene, it seems to be pretty common on the 350mag.  I have friends who have had both sides develop leaks.  Dealers fixed under warranty or extended.

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

I smell warranty

 

The older issue was with 2004/2005 350 mags. They had a bad batch of exhaust gaskets. Maybe yours was an old set that was lying around - lol This was not a "recall" but Merc did go good for all the ones that leaked, mine included.

 

It is an easy fix to do. Just a few bolts and you are done. 

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Stewart Babineau
2005 225BR
427 Small Block (470 hp) with IMCO powerflow exhaust.
Bravo 1X with IMCO 1" shorter drive
Auto Meter Pro Marine gauge upgrade.
BIG Stereo

I am not knocking Mercs, but my last two boats have been Volvos. Do mercs have more probs than volvo?

 

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Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics

It may seem that way, but the Mercs outnumber the volvos on this site probably by as much as 15 to 1...so it just seems that way.  Both are good setups with basically the same engines...the drives are what make Volvo Dominant over Merc!

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Steve Kroesen
Apollo Beach, FL
Kroes Nest

Steve Kroesen:

It may seem that way, but the Mercs outnumber the volvos on this site probably by as much as 15 to 1...so it just seems that way.  Both are good setups with basically the same engines...the drives are what make Volvo Dominant over Merc!

 

ahh gotcha, the old numbers and perception game. This is always the case. Not to mention that 1 happy customer will only tell three peeps, while 1 unhappy customer will tell 11. Take that factored into the Merc to Volvo ratio and I see a crazy number!

 Guess that is why they went all Merc . .  Cheaper built (cost wise, since out of country) and they probably had a much better relationship.

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Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics

Gene,

I have had 5 of these gaskets replaced on my boat....2003 350 Mag w/ BIII.  It is strongly recommended that you do not run the boat now that you realize there is a leak.  There is an issue with CO2 venting into the engine compartment and into the ski locker area.  Additionally, the exhaust may have a portion of unburned fuel in the mix that does not go well with sparks!

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Kevin and Athena
Athena's Odd-a-Sea
2003 225 BR
350 MAG / Bravo III

I have a 2008 350 Mag and we just had the exhaust manifold gasket changed a couple weeks ago, just not installed correctly I guess. It was covered though.

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Wet Asset
2002 230 CCR
2008 Mercruiser 350 MAG SeaCore, Bravo III
Lupa's Marina and Resort - Antioch, IL

Hello Kevin & Athena,, just run across the post, hope you two are fine, no problems with 4.3 at 100hrs. low maintenance boat with me doing the work,,, been hanging out at holiday island where water is cool, will be at Indian hills the 16th & 6th of next month, take care D & C

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ALLEY CAT,,'06 180 4.3 ruby red, with racing graphics.
Mt. Vernon, Mo.

A BIG DOG IS A TON !!

Hello Rolls!

Let us know if you plan on heading down the lake sometime...perhaps we can meet somewhere around Baxter.  We will be around next weekend and then not back until Labor Day....which is starting to look questionable. 

We missed you all at the Rally this year.  I hope all is well. 

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Kevin and Athena
Athena's Odd-a-Sea
2003 225 BR
350 MAG / Bravo III

I had one gasket replaced this year too.  I guess it's just a matter of time before I replace the other side.  I called Mercury hoping for some good will type assistance, since it's obviously been a problem.  They were not interested in helping me out. 

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Chris & Cherie Blair
Granite City, Illinois
"Aquatic Justice"
'04 230BR - 350 Mag B3 (Opal/Spinal Wine)