[C320-list] Aqualift Muffler

[Scott Westwood]

Last time out I noticed some water around the Aqualift Muffler.  (Large white Square cube on exhaust).  I have seen some posts that you can repair it.  Wife, (and I) are on a mission to have a bilge that is as dry as possible.
NOTE: I have not looked in detail yet for a source of the water (clamps etc...) .  I only say it around the base of the Aq Muffler while adjusting my newly packed stuffing tube underway.  Because of the comments on this forum it sounds like a likely source??
Question: Can I remove the Aq Muffler for inspection without any siphon issues?  Engine intake closed of course.  Exhaust is above water line so should not be an issue but have to ask??
I saw the point of installing some sort of "cushion" in place to help with vibration in the future.  Still looking for option here.
Also,  Anything else (besides obvious hose inspection) that is worth doing while I have the muffler off? 
Thanks,
Scott Westwood scottw...@bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185

[Doug Treff]

Scott,

This is well documented. Try the following as a start point:

https://www.sailnet.com/forums/catalina/38971-c320-muffler-box-leak.html
https://c320.org/article.php/RepairingTheAqualiftMuffler
http://lists.catalina320.com/pipermail/c320-list-catalina320.com/2012-June/166658.html

This will get you familiar with the repair and possible solutions ranging from DIY repair to ordering a new muffler from Catalina. (Not a short process). They changed the mufflers over the years on our boats and they will need detailed drawings or you will have to ship your old one to them, where they will make the replacement to match yours. $$$

--
Doug Treff
do...@treff.us

[Scott Westwood]

Thanks,  I did see/read that article.  It was very helpful.
My main question is: Are there any issues pulling the muffler while in the water?  Any steps you have to take to avoid any siphon issues?  Will water start poring in if I disconnect?  I think not since Exhaust is above the water line and intake is closed, etc... but???  Maybe I am missing something and  I would like to reduce any surprises.

 
Thanks,
Scott Westwood scottw...@bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185

[Doug Treff]

You can remove it safely. As you state, the open end would be above the water line, as is the exhaust port on the transom. Definitely close the intake seacock and maybe attach a note to the keys to remind you not to start it up.

Take a heat gun or hair dryer with you to soften the rubber exhaust hose. It will make the job easier.

--
Doug Treff
do...@treff.us

[Troy Dunn]

Yup, as Doug says you can safely remove the muffler without worrying about
sinking your boat. Closing the intake seacock isn’t really necessary,
but without the muffler installed you will have no reason to have it open.

Now about that muffler. We went through this whole thing two years ago.
We discovered the leak in August and I 'repaired' it. The muffler design
is basically a box with a nested bottom plate. The seam between the box
and the nested plate is where the muffler fails. The repairs that can be
made are almost always a delay tactic. Very few folks have made
successful long term repairs. We limped through to haul out and then
ordered a new muffler.

In order to get a new muffler you will need to send back the old one.
Based on my experience with another vendor I would have to recommend
calling Catalina in Florida or Vetus for a replacement. Expect this
process to take a while, and also expect to fill the old screw holes and
drill new holes.

If your muffler is leaking enough to fill the tray beneath the engine, then
you will also have water trapped underneath the galley drawers so don't
forget to get that with the shop vac. If you haven’t gotten to that stage
of the leaking process...it probably will get there soon.

Good luck

Troy Dunn
S/V Wonky Dog
Hull #514

[Ted Harrison]

Scott do not mess around with this one. I waited to long and had a bilge full of water. It will only get worst.

Ted Harrison
Hull 424 1997

[Ted Harrison]

You can pull it out with the boat on the water.

Ted Harrison

[Scott Westwood]

FWIW. Update on my muffler.
I must have had a loose hose fitting.  Took off the muffler. (wasn't "that" easy) Tried several ways to find a leak and could not find one.  Did not do a thing to it.  Re-installed it and ran for 7 hours one day then ran it for 9 hours couple of days later and no leaks.  (Went to Ocracoke on the NC Outer Banks for 300th Anniversary of Black Beard's Death)
Also had minimal dripping with re-packed stuffing tube. (After several adjustments)
Had a dry bilge when we started.  Then... I filled to forward water tank at the marina and I later heard the bilge pump go off.  Dang it, have a leak in the forward water tank/line someplace.  Two steps forward, one step back.  This should be an easy one at least.   Just have to find it. 
Thanks to all the help working that Muffler issue.

Scott Westwood scottw...@bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185

From: Troy Dunn <troutw...@gmail.com>
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Sent: Friday, October 5, 2018 5:53 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Aqualift Muffler

[ks...@aol.com]

I had a "leak" into the bilge and discovered that if I "overfilled" the forward fresh water tank it overflowed into the bilge. Since I became more careful filling the freshwater tanks my "leaks" disappeared. Good luck with yours. Hope it's the same. Neil Kornblatt Harmony #973

[Chris Burti]

Scott,
Your water tank ‘leak’ is most likely the inspection port which will leak when you fill the tank… a couple of wraps of Teflon tape or the o ring from plumbing dept will help.

Thanks,
Chris Burti
Farmville, NC

[Jeff Hare]

Agreed Chris. We keep a pair of medium sized rubber strap wrenches on board for tightening these caps after using a lot of that teflon tape. The pair of strap wrenches are also required to separate the fuel filter from the bowl and housing (usually). We also keep a small one for loosening the raw water filter when it needs it.

-Jeff Hare

[danny jensen]

Scott,
It is my impression that muffler related leaks are usually not hose related
but are related to cracks in the corner of the muffler where the screw
holes are. The expected life is of a muffler in my opinion is 10 years
depending on how much vibration is going on. I only bring this up because
because you suspect your leak was muffler related. I have attached a link
to a muffler related project I did
https://c320.org/mediagallery/download.php?mid=20150926070241130.
Danny
#972

On Tue, Oct 30, 2018 at 4:35 AM Scott Westwood <scottw...@bellsouth.net>
wrote: