Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

[dabigkahuna]

I have been having problems with my exhaust manifolds on the ZR6. They were recently replaced by a mechanic. The completely new set of manifolds and risers only have about 20 hours on them, and now their leaking again! In fact, one riser stud on the port side totally rusted out, which caused the riser on that side to really leak badly.

I flush with Salt-Away after every outing, so I don't know what more I can do from an Owner's perspective. I am beginning to think that the "weep" holes that the ZR6 manifolds use at the riser may be contributing to the problems.

Any one else out there having problems?

[sfjakey]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

Are you sure the gaskets were installed properly anf the bolts torqued and then retorqued? That is not right what is going on there. Try replacing the riser bolts with stainless, making sure the surface is perfectly flat and keep an eye on the torque. I have 4 years and over 500 hours on a Volvo I/O I use on the ocean exclusively and it wasn't that bad when they were replaced. Let us know what you find out, I am quite interested.

[wakecrashin]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

I got 100 hrs on my Zr6 and havent noticed any problems. I do put alot of CRC on the engine though.

[sfjakey]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

What is "CRC"

[AirTool]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

this brand for sure...not sure which produce

http://www.dragosupply.com/drago/ser...log/group.jsp/


more here

http://www.crcindustries.com/crcwebmain/

[wakecrashin]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

Puts a thin layer of oil over the engine to prtect against rust.

[dabigkahuna]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

well, I don't know about the "proper installation" part, as they were installed by a Correct Craft approved mechanic. As far as "re-torquing", never had any instructions to do so. By the way, the manner in which the manifold risers are designed, you can't use a torque wrench on 2 of the 4 nuts that secure each riser to the manifold. These 2 nuts are so ridiculously hard to get at, it's really insane. You have to use a 12pt. stubby on these suckers, and it's brutal for sure.

As far as the CRC, or LPS, or WD-40, etc. goes, it only prevents surface corrosion. My manifolds were leaking from the inside-out, so no amount of surface applied anti-corrosive compounds would have stopped the damage.

I really think the "weep" hole design plays a big role in pre-mature gasket failure and subsequent stud failure and overall manifold damage. If you think about, the weep hole designs takes two perfectly flat fairing surfaces and creates a void between them. High pressure+high heat+salt water+open orifices (Weep Holes) = Problems.

But...I may be wrong...anyone else have problems out there?

[wakecrashin]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

Call CC directly. Pretty sure they will remedy the problem. The replaced my rusting emblems under warranty.

[sfjakey]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

I definetly would bring it to CC's attention. I know they don't warranty salt water damage, but this seems different. Please keep us updated

[dabigkahuna]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

I will keep everyone posted. Just so everyone is aware, this is the second time this has happened to my boat. CC did a partial warranty last time this happened (They paid the parts, I paid the labor). This was a compromise on CCs part, as they thought it was very odd that the manifolds would fail so early, and they weren't fully confident that the problem was not related to how the boat was taken care of. Instead of arguing with them, I took the partial warranty deal, as I just wanted to get the boat back on the water and start enjoying the boat again. But, this time it happened again, and after only approx. 20 hours of use. I know it has nothing to do with me this time around, as I was extra extra careful each time I cleaned the boat and flushed the engine with Salt-Away. I'll let everyone know what happens after I call CC.

P.S. If any of you were to ask my riding buddies how I take care of my boat, they would all tell you that I am a pain in the butt!!! I am totally overkill on the washdown procedure, and I usually end up finishing the last details alone, as my friends are like "good enough, were outta here!".

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

Sounds like more of a PCM issue than a Correct Craft issue.

[AirTool]

Re: RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

Sounds like more of a PCM issue than a Correct Craft issue.

That's what I was thinking.

AirTool

[dabigkahuna]

RE: Re: RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

PCM issue, correct! That's the battle I have been dealing with since day one, most issues I have had with the motor have been deferred to PCM, and I have basically been left holding the bag most of the time. I really have a problem with going through PCM for warranty work, as I bought the boat from Nautique. I know that is how this industry basically works, but I still think that Correct Craft should step to the plate and swing for their customers. Just a reference...my friend had problems with his PCM ZR6, same as mine, and MB stepped-up and made life happy for their customer. By the way, the PCM warranty was expired, but through superb customer service at MB, and later at PCM, the problem was resolved at no cost to the customer.

A parallel is when you buy a Chevy diesel truck and the transmission gives you trouble, Chevy doesn't make you take it up with Allison Transmission, even though Allison was the manufacturer of the transmission. Instead, Chevy fixes the problem, and sends Alison a bill for the repair work. A big company has way more clout (due to the volume of business they do) than an individual consumer, and is more "influential" in getting warranty repair work approved. Just food for thought...

[AirTool]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

A parallel is when you buy a Chevy diesel truck and the transmission gives you trouble, Chevy doesn't make you take it up with Allison Transmission, even though Allison was the manufacturer of the transmission. Instead, Chevy fixes the problem, and sends Alison a bill for the repair work. A big company has way more clout (due to the volume of business they do) than an individual consumer, and is more "influential" in getting warranty repair work approved. Just food for thought...

Good points....one key item you left out that should also apply to your situation. Chevy doesn't fix the problem. The dealer makes the repair and gets paid by the packager...after approval. For me it is always a PITA to have someone between me and the source....especially if they get in the way. Truly these issues can get messy. You have a dealer, a packager, and sub-suppliers...and multiple warranties.

And, as you inferred...the dealer's biggest repair customer...is usually the brand..not the consumer. In the auto business..it has become quite problematic. The boat business probably has better control of these issues due to the lower volume and higher visibility of their actions.

AirTool

[sfjakey]

RE: Re: RE: Who uses a ZR6 in Salt Water?

It is a PCM problem, but it is Correct Craft's responsibility to fix it. They sell a COMPLETE package with a COMPLETE warranty on that package. CC needs to fix it, on their dime, then recover from PCM. I had a 94 SN with the new injection system, and had nothing but problems from the day I got it. After 6 weeks back and forth to the dealer, Correct Craft flat out replaced my boat. It wasn't their fault, but they stood behind it. THe new one was good for about 75 hours, then started the same problems. I took it back many, many times, then the GT40 came out. I told Correct CRaft to put a GT40 in my boat, they wouldn't. I persisted, and eventually they took back my 94 and for less than $2000, I got a brand new 96 with a GT40. That alone is why I will never buy anything but a Nautique again. CC will amke it right, but make sure you deal with someone above the dealer level to resolve it.