Because I can't rest easy when my family, dog, or boat is ill, I took the day and got to work. (Might not actually be in that exact order, but those are my "Top Three" anyways.) 😛
First, let me say, I can no longer stand over-priced, over-rated Silicone hoses. Supposed to better resist heat and be much more flexible than conventional marine hose. Both of those are true statements. Also true is the fact that (in my own experience, at least) they do not hold up. Why? I cannot say. But this is the third time I've had an issue with silicone hosing - and it will be the last time.
Here's a shot of my engine, with the port-side riser removed from its manifold. See anything unusual?
How's about now?
Close up after removal:
About 4 seasons old - 500 hours on it. Poured salt water into my bilge with the engine running. Not good. I thought maybe the hose clamp cut into the hose and caused the failure. But the clamp just wasn't all that tight. Funny, though the engine ran about 5-10 degrees warmer than usual, it never overheated.
Anyway, for this repair I sectioned in a new piece of hose, using a barbed double-sided bronze hose joiner. No fun, as its in a nasty, hard to access place. I would have replaced the whole length, except to get to the other end entails removal of some big FWC components. Definitely not into that job. This should be good for the balance of the season and I'll deal with a full hose swap-out once I'm back on the hard, this Winter.
Hopefully, no more weird repairs will pop up this season. Back at those wasacally wabbit fluke shortly!
