rubber muffler flaps

[skiboarder]

I saw a thread with someone saying hey were going to take off the muffler flaps and see if it was louder. Well I did and its not louder its just louder when your not on plane. It does sound better, I think. Will it hurt not having these on??

[boneil]

Personally I wouldn't.  My rational is that while I was getting service (for free under warrentee) another gentlemen was shelling out probably 4 grand.   He or his friend pulled the kill switch (exact name escapes me) and the wave of water ran up through the exhaust into the engine or cylinders.  A friend tried to restart the boat and pulled water further into the engine.... cylinders may-be.  They had an inferior boat / inferior engine, but it was enough that it makes me worried about launching too fast, accidentally leaving the rear straps on while launching and/or never shutting off the engine while moving with any significant speed. 

Not sure this could happen to our boat/engine but seems to me the flap prevent an initial flood of water from backing up the exhaust.

My 2 cents.

B

[Bitzco]

Amen brother. Same thing happened to a friend of mine on his Bryant inboard/outboard. Time for an engine rebuild. Having said that. I know nothing about whether to take it off.

[skiboarder]

I never thought of that I figured the way the manifold is that wouldn't happen but I think you guys are right I put them back on!!! They were pretty worn and letting some water in so I fliped them and now they lay flat in there instead over bend out.

[epic_toy]

At the marina I use, there has been reports of animals crawling up exhausts as well... which would be interesting. Better leave them on.