2006 220 TE- Remove Muffler -so I can access Impeller- or move muffler back further?

[biacs]

Hi all,
I got this 220 in July, so I ran it mostly as-is. It needed plenty of TLC this winter (steering cable was a learning curve). It has ~600 hrs. Impeller was pretty roached, but my muffler sits right up against the impeller (less than 1" gap). I plan to replace impeller yearly, so I DONT want to pull exhasut risers and muffler out each time. Very heavy and exhasut riser gaskets were ~40$.

Here's what I need to understand:

• Do 2006 guys straight pipe and remove / delete muffler for easier impeller access?
• Should I cut longer exhaust tubing and shorten the lower exhasut tube at the stern (to offset the muffler back a few inches farther back so I can access impeller) ?
• Was there a service tech trick to access impeller as-is for service?

Any option is feasible, but I hate to have a poor design win the day!

[TexasTom]

Do you have a photo of this? I also have a 220 with the ZR6 And access to the raw water impeller hasnt been an issue.

[charlesml3]

Do you have a photo of this? I also have a 220 with the ZR6 And access to the raw water impeller hasnt been an issue.

Agreed. There should be no reason to remove exhaust risers to get to the impeller housing. I've never had to do that on any Nautique.

[zbielling]

I have an 06 220 with an Excalibur 330. It is tight but you can get it out and back in without removing the muffler. I do it every year. If i remember correctly, you have to remove the pulley/cover assembly while the impeller stays in. then use a pair or 90 degree needle nose pliers to remove the impeller. For reinstall, the impeller first then slide the pulley/cover back on.

[biacs]

First of all THANKS for taking time to reply!!

• I have the 5.3 engine, I believe
• My room to work is about 1" of clearance (lol the serp belt gets hung up in the gap)
• my exhaust plumbing is SIEZED to the muffler and risers, so I removed all together - saw others do this researching my steering cable install

Here is a ideal solution - so please let me know. ->

• Can I get more flexible material to connect the risers and muffler? Something more pliable and rubbery?

If I could easily disconnect the muffler and riser, it would be easy-peasey! As the boat is fairly new-to-me, I'm OK with fixing/addresing all these small things that I need to as time goes on. Like the exhaust all being stuck together :-)