cleaning a showerhead in the exhaust

[LARRY VALENTINE]

Anyone with experience in cleaning a SHOWERHEAD in the exhaust of a 1985 ,53 ft HAT ED with
6V92TA engines? I suspect first remove complete heat jacket then detach from the turbo then detach
at the exhaust distal to the showerhead where the raw water exits into the exhaust. Does that put me below the boat waterline,
which would allow water to run into the boat? Would you quickly attach a hose at that point angled upward to prevent further
water ingress? Or would you haul the boat and have the work done out of the water? Would you
then have access to the holes in the showerhead or should it then be taken back to the shop for a
chemical bath or boiling. I am assuming the entire exhaut that contains the showerhead does not need to be rebuilt.

 

[piripucha]

If the 53 is set up as the 58 YF you will not be below the waterline. Removing the showerheads is quite simple is the if the Gods are with you. Be carefull detaching them from the turbo, since the heat makes the turbo and showerhead rims , or flange, quite britle. You dont want to break them. Good luck, !

 

[SEVEN]

Pull her out and have them chemically cleaned. Safest way.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I pulled mine and was able to clean them quite easily once removed. Boat was on the hard so I have no idea if water intrusion would be an issue but I assume it would if you remove them from the exhaust tube that exits the aft of the ER.

 

[MikeP]

I've had all 4 of ours off with the boat in the water. It's no problem, the water line is well below the point at which the showerhead connects to the exhaust collector.

 

[bobk]

If concerned, an expandable rubber pipe plug will seal the exhaust, or even an inflatable rubber ball of the appropriate size. Both methods were used on my boat for exhaust repairs.

Bobk

 

[LARRY VALENTINE]

Anyone with experience in cleaning a SHOWERHEAD in the exhaust of a 1985 ,53 ft HAT ED with
6V92TA engines? I suspect first remove complete heat jacket then detach from the turbo then detach
at the exhaust distal to the showerhead where the raw water exits into the exhaust. Does that put me below the boat waterline,
which would allow water to run into the boat? Would you quickly attach a hose at that point angled upward to prevent further
water ingress? Or would you haul the boat and have the work done out of the water? Would you
then have access to the holes in the showerhead or should it then be taken back to the shop for a
chemical bath or boiling. I am assuming the entire exhaut that contains the showerhead does not need to be rebuilt.

It turns out that the showerhead in this case was built by K industries in 1985 for Hatteras out of
copper-nickel and they went out of business the next year. My source in Miami did not know if the
showerhead extended up to both turbos or if there was a connection between the turbos and the
showerhead and I would find out once the heat jacket was removed. Enclosed are some pictures if I
am able to attach. Sorry unable to comprehend process of embeding photos

 

[MikeP]

There is a showerhead attached to each Turbo, clamped to the rear of the turbo and attached by large diameter hose to the exhaust collector. In theory they are easy to remove. In practice, it depends. I have had some literally fall off the turbo when the clamps were removed and others act as if they were welded in place! SO, YMMV!

 

[LARRY VALENTINE]

There is a showerhead attached to each Turbo, clamped to the rear of the turbo and attached by large diameter hose to the exhaust collector. In theory they are easy to remove. In practice, it depends. I have had some literally fall off the turbo when the clamps were removed and others act as if they were welded in place! SO, YMMV!

My showerhead is located at a point where the exhaust makes a 90 degree bend at the deck level. Sorry I cannot upload the pictures.

 

[MikeP]

Hmmm - sounds completely different from the setup on our '80 53MY/DD8V71Tis. It sounds as if the ones in question MAY be below the waterline and, if so, much greater care must be taken re removal.

 

[kelpy]

If the "showerhead" is below the waterline, you are sinking.

 

[LARRY VALENTINE]

The showerhead is above the waterline but the connection with the rest of the exhaust is at or below the waterline

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Hmmm - sounds completely different from the setup on our '80 53MY/DD8V71Tis. It sounds as if the ones in question MAY be below the waterline and, if so, much greater care must be taken re removal.

His is like mine (6v92s). There is just one at the 90. You can remove the water hose and get to it or pull the whole collector which is what did (for other reasons).