Cat 3208 Exhaust Manifold

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TheBishop

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Had water dripping onto the exhaust manifold on one of the 3208's on Jules Verne. The metal casing has worn and big dilemma now is new manifold set at nearly £4K !!! or attempt a weld onto the old ( 1990 ) original.

Anyone out there got any suggestions as to best way forward? Is there a danger of completely knackering the internal chamber etc and causing more problems when it goes back on? Anyone attempted such a repair?

Boat based in Plymouth, so any top class welders down there who might be persuaded to give an opinion?

Boat is going on her own bottom to Spain in the Spring so I dont want to take too many chances but even so its a big lump of money to save if a weld repair is possible.

The Bishop
 
3208s always had problems with the manifolds and the 90 degree part, if ever the coolant level drops the manifold gets torched, ive seen them with no paint left on at all!, its cast as well . There is a place near to us, that can repair them but id play safe and fit new, last time i bought 2 they were 1700 each plus vat.
 
Volvo paul,

They are about twice that now! Nearly £3K from Finnings and have to be shipped in from the States. I am inclining to your view on replacement however. Am going down to Plymouth this weekend and we are taking off the part for inspection.

The Bishop
 
TheBishop said:
Volvo paul,

They are about twice that now! Nearly £3K from Finnings and have to be shipped in from the States. I am inclining to your view on replacement however. Am going down to Plymouth this weekend and we are taking off the part for inspection.

The Bishop
Click to expand...

Mark Coulson at MESA Marine http://www.mesamarine.com/Catalog.htm#CATERPILLAR produce their own direct replacement. Mark has designed a clever universal manifold (not handed). List price is just under a thousand bucks, plus freight and duty.

MESA supply manifolds to CAT distributors for engines where replacements are either no longer available or where engines are long out of production which results in component prices going into orbit, which applies to all manufacturers.
 
If the boat was staying in this country and not due to do a big trip then i would consider having them professionally welded or take advice from such a company that can do it, a few years back my company welded three foot of cracks in a vintage cast engine block which was very successful however if your boat is off to Spain under its own steam i would replace with new ones.
 
Most interesting. I have checked with the US guys mentioned on the web site above and can have a copy exhaust manifold shipped from the States to Plymouth for £851. Or I can buy one from Finnings for a gnats under £3000.

Place your bets!

The Bishop
 
Latestarter1 said:
Mark Coulson at MESA Marine http://www.mesamarine.com/Catalog.htm#CATERPILLAR produce their own direct replacement. Mark has designed a clever universal manifold (not handed). List price is just under a thousand bucks, plus freight and duty.

MESA supply manifolds to CAT distributors for engines where replacements are either no longer available or where engines are long out of production which results in component prices going into orbit, which applies to all manufacturers.
Click to expand...

Latestarter1

Thanks for that cracking tip. I cant believe the price differential! They can have it shipped via UPS in less than 7 days and total cost is £1346 versus £3K from Finnings.

The Bishop
 
Hurricane said:
Definately get them fixed before you take the boat to Spain.
Ther is a good Cat Engineer in Sant Carles but I think you will find the parts even more expensive than in the UK.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike and to all who replied,

Manifold now ordered from the USA and will arrive here 5 days after funds clear. Photo on their web site confirms it is same part so its a no brainer.

Still cant believe the price difference!!!

The Bishop
 
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