www.iFourWinns.com

bbaahahhh - distance is nothing. I'm 3000+ miles and on boat #2 from Winnisquam.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Thanks Ryan!! I have sent you an email with some questions.

I have NOdoubt Winnisquam Marine is a great dealer from all the feedback on this site.

Chris

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2004 230 Horizon
5.7GI/SX
Towed by a 2000 Expedition

The dipstick hex nut size is 15mm. The exhaust manifold drains are brass plugs at the rear; they are actually screwed into brass couplings which are screwed into the manifold, I find it easier on mine to take out the larger couplings, complete with the plugs; that way the bore is reasonably large and it's easier to poke/ flush out any debris. It's worth your while checking the torque of the riser to manifold bolts and looking for any signe of leakage between the risers and manifolds; mine is also a 2004 boat, both mine started to leak after 4 seasons use.

Graham

Thanks Graham. I see a lot of people replace risers every 3-4 years. Beleive it or not my current boat still has the original risers and I think bellows after 17 years. It's a merc 3.0.

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2004 230 Horizon
5.7GI/SX
Towed by a 2000 Expedition

re Riser replacement, I think the frequency depends a lot on the water the boat is used in; salt water being particularly bad. You mentioned the boat you are looking at was only used in fresh water, so the risers are probably still OK. It's the potential leaks between the riser and manifold I'd recommend you need to check on ( mine leaked on the outside, so I had rusty stains on the manifolds;a bit of a giveaway really!

Will all your boating be in fresh water? If not, I'd recommend the Neutrasalt system, it really protected my risers and manifolds well over the 4 years use in salt water. Very little evidence of corrosion when I took them off this winter. I can't comment on the block/ heads, as my engine has closed cooling ( I decided on an overkill, with both closed cooling and Neutrasalt protection for the manifolds/ risers when I first got it!

I'd be a little concerned about 17 year old bellows, they must have been flexed quite a few times in those 17 years!

Graham

Yes, all my boating will be fresh water with the new boat. I certainly will check the torque on the risers/manifold.

I can't beleive the bellows are still together myself. I have never changed them in the 6 years I have owned the boat and the previous owner said he did not either. Now the engine coupler is a different story...

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2004 230 Horizon
5.7GI/SX
Towed by a 2000 Expedition