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Exhaust Hoses

Discussion in 'Engines' started by Lunderic, Nov 3, 2024.

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  1. Lunderic, Nov 3, 2024
    #1
    Lunderic

    Lunderic Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2018
    Messages:
    82
    Location:
    Oceanside, NY
    I recently had the 2.5" exhaust hose for a generator fail and leak water into the boat. Fortunately bilge indicators and alarm worked as they should, and I was able to shut down generator and shove a plug in at the transom. I will replace the hose. I am also going to replace the 10" hoses for the mains. Does anybody have feedback on how often they should be changed? The hoses are dated 2006 and look ok but I'll replace anyway. I am also looking on feedback of blue silicon vs standard hose with wire. I'm probably going to use the standard hose unless there's a compelling reason to use the silicon hose.

    BTW I had somehow overlooked inspecting the generator hose prior to failure as it was completely tucked away behind the main exhaust hose. I needed mirrors to take a look... so just a word of warning to others that may have same situation (surveyor missed it as well)
  2. Capt Ralph, Nov 3, 2024
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,444
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    I have old rubber (no wire) exhaust hose and lots of fiberglass tubes still in great shape on my mains.
    Never overheated and pliable.

    You may need wire reinforced when the hose takes a bend but (IMO) it is the wire that increases the failure in exhaust hose. Especially after overheating the exhaust system.
    Wire also starts rusting from the ends and wicks water up the hose laminate. Wire can rust anywhere then.
    Use Fiberglass tubing (straight & 45° elbows) and rubber hose for the joints for the mains.

    I started using a fiberglass 90° & 180°s for gen-set exhaust lifts.

    As for the blue silicone, blue Hump Hoses at the dump cans but not needed further down stream on the mains.

    I have installed many gen-sets with these ideals.
    Repaired and re-powered a few boats with these thoughts also.
    Never an issue many years later.

    BTW, how are your mufflers looking (sounding)?

    Foe help on all, Contact CenTek support.
    https://www.centekindustries.com/
  3. Pascal, Nov 3, 2024
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,546
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    I don’t think I ve ever seen an exhaust hose fail. When i repowered my 53, I replaced the reinforced hoses that were 47 years old. They were soft but no leaks.

    could they have been chaffing or sustained damage ?
  4. Lunderic, Nov 4, 2024
    #4
    Lunderic

    Lunderic Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2018
    Messages:
    82
    Location:
    Oceanside, NY
    No Chafing. Looks like wire failed from within and the hose failed. The boat is a Viking 53c with the Viking mufflers and they are in great condition. I should have caught the Generator hose before it split open. I'm just going to play it safe and replace all the exhaust hoses.

    Attached Files:

  5. Capt J, Nov 4, 2024
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
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    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    7-10 years is the recommended interval.
    Lunderic likes this.
  6. SplashFl, Nov 4, 2024
    #6
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2021
    Messages:
    515
    Location:
    S. Florida _ Bertram 46
    Replaced one of the large blue silicone hoses with same. No idea how old the old one was but it had a brown area and surveyor recomended replacing. Also rebuilt sea water pump at the time but other then slight seal drip nothing obvious.
  7. Capt J, Nov 5, 2024
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Also, if a raw water impeller goes bad and engine gets hot, the exhaust will cook the inside of the exhaust hoses and cause them to fail earlier. I have seen exhaust hoses go a lot longer than the 7-10 years, but why push your luck.
  8. chesapeake46, Nov 5, 2024
    #8
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay & S.Jersey
    I replaced 40 year old exhaust hose that also had wire within.
    I put the blue silicone back in it's place.
    The old hose was not damaged or leaking and showed no signs of rot or cracking but since I was replacing some exhaust tubing, I replaced the hose also.
    Like you, I felt it was time, the old hose did not owe me anything.
    The blue hose was much easier to work with for me because of the cramped space involved.
    Might not be cramped for a slimmer person tho.
    About 3 years later I had to remove the mixing elbow and the blue hose came off easily and went back easily.
    All new clamps too, which you probably already thought of.