Exhaust/Header Questions...

[riverrunner1984]

As some of you know, I am not too mechanically inclined and had a questions regarding differences between these two types of headers.

Currently I have this type of set up. (not my boat, just an example)


Was wondering if there is a performance difference going to this type of set up or is it just for aesthetics?


Main reason for asking.
Last time I had my boat out, once in a while when I gave it gas, it would studder and take a while to get going (not all the time, just sometimes)
Someone told me that the boat is burning too rich and I should take my engine cover off.
When I see other jet boats out there with the engine cover off, I see the headers over the stern.
Was wondering if I would have to put these on if I took the cover off.
If so, is there a performance difference.
I have a 19.5ft jet boat with a 454.

With my limited mechanical knowledge, I hope my question makes sense. lol
Thanks in advance guys.

[Sharp shooter]

As some of you know, I am not too mechanically inclined and had a questions regarding differences between these two types of headers.

Currently I have this type of set up. (not my boat, just an example)


Was wondering if there is a performance difference going to this type of set up or is it just for aesthetics?


Main reason for asking.
Last time I had my boat out, once in a while when I gave it gas, it would studder and take a while to get going (not all the time, just sometimes)
Someone told me that the boat is burning too rich and I should take my engine cover off.
When I see other jet boats out there with the engine cover off, I see the headers over the stern.
Was wondering if I would have to put these on if I took the cover off.
If so, is there a performance difference.
I have a 19.5ft jet boat with a 454.

With my limited mechanical knowledge, I hope my question makes sense. lol
Thanks in advance guys.

First off, these are not "headers".


Headers allow an engine to push out the exhaust gas easier making for more efficiency. With a stock engine they won't help all that much (if at all).

You need to take your boat to a pro and have it tuned. Lack of headers aren't your problem. If your engine is of the high performance variety, headers will allow it to work better.

[riverrunner1984]

Thanks for the info.
Thats why Im asking here. I want it to look like I know a little bit when I go to a place.

[riverrunner1984]

When I typed in headers for sale on CL...
these came up. Look like what I posted in the pic kind of????

Just trying to get some clarification

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/4497735813.html

[Sharp shooter]

When I typed in headers for sale on CL...
these came up. Look like what I posted in the pic kind of????

Just trying to get some clarification

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/4497735813.html

You posted 2 pics in your first post. Top pics shows a single marine exhaust manifold lower pics shows both OT headers. The craigslist ad is for 2 types of headers. One set of OT's or over transom the other is a through transom header.

[HotWater]

If it just started the problem last time you took it out it has nothing to do with the motor cover. Probably carb, ignition or both.

[Menace Marine]

If it just started the problem last time you took it out it has nothing to do with the motor cover. Probably carb, ignition or both.

Agreed. The motor when properly tuned should work flawlessly and not stutter or bog. Motors need air to run. I'm not sure how sealed your engine compartment is but if it worked good in the past then this isn't your issue. Ignition may need a tune up or carb adjusted or rebuilt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Menace Marine]

If you still suspect the motor is not getting enough fresh air you could always prop the engine hatch up slightly and see if the situation improves. It shouldn't take much and obviously use caution to not loose the hatch or fall into the belts etc etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[spike morelli]

Riverrunner 1984, I must concur with Mr. Hotwater on your boat's hesitation problem. I have seen people go crazy trying to find a hesitation problem. You wouldn't believe how many people have NEVER cleaned their flame-arrestor on top of the carb. Have your local shop just soak the thing in carb cleaner for a bit . Once rinsed off, it will flow like new again. Start there. Further, you may have picked up some crap in your carb over time. Check your float bowl(s) for debris, proper float level(s) and accelerator pump for operaton. I tend to think it's more fuel oriented over ignition, but I'm not there to know exactly. Overall, I don't think you have a major problem, just a maintenance issue. About tubing headers, ( they are cool looking aren't they), adding them to an existing state of tune will tend to "lean" the fuel mixture the engine sees, due to better removal of exhaust gasses from the cylinders, but, having just said that, will exaggerate a stumble caused by a lean mixture upon acceleration ( if that's what is happening, again, this is a guess). You may want to have your mechanic jet your carb up a few steps with headers. If you go to buy new headers, ask if the manufacturer has different sized tubing diameters to chose from. Large diameter "Racing" style headers will look bitchin' but not deliver the added kick in the rear you may want, if you have a relatively stock marine engine. Opt for the smaller -tubed header set, if offered, and, for the same price, you should get a better running engine. Just my .02 cents

[riverrunner1984]

Riverrunner 1984, I must concur with Mr. Hotwater on your boat's hesitation problem. I have seen people go crazy trying to find a hesitation problem. You wouldn't believe how many people have NEVER cleaned their flame-arrestor on top of the carb. Have your local shop just soak the thing in carb cleaner for a bit . Once rinsed off, it will flow like new again. Start there. Further, you may have picked up some crap in your carb over time. Check your float bowl(s) for debris, proper float level(s) and accelerator pump for operaton. I tend to think it's more fuel oriented over ignition, but I'm not there to know exactly. Overall, I don't think you have a major problem, just a maintenance issue. About tubing headers, ( they are cool looking aren't they), adding them to an existing state of tune will tend to "lean" the fuel mixture the engine sees, due to better removal of exhaust gasses from the cylinders, but, having just said that, will exaggerate a stumble caused by a lean mixture upon acceleration ( if that's what is happening, again, this is a guess). You may want to have your mechanic jet your carb up a few steps with headers. If you go to buy new headers, ask if the manufacturer has different sized tubing diameters to chose from. Large diameter "Racing" style headers will look bitchin' but not deliver the added kick in the rear you may want, if you have a relatively stock marine engine. Opt for the smaller -tubed header set, if offered, and, for the same price, you should get a better running engine. Just my .02 cents

Thanks for the great info. I will def bring this up to the mechanic.
I did have my carb rebuilt and the first time I took it on the water it had the hesitation problem.
Normally, the hesitation happens after it has been idling for a few minutes not if I take off right after I start it.