How to Clean the Inside of a Boat's Exhaust Manifold

An exhaust manifold is where hot engine fumes escape from the engine to keep it cool and running smoothly. Maintaining a boat's exhaust manifold is relatively simple way to extend the life of the engine. Cleaning the exhaust manifold is a basic, annual boat maintenance task and requires only a few cleaning products. With the right instructions, you can properly clean your boat's exhaust manifold and keep the engine running without problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Boat lift
  • Socket wrench and socket set
  • Protective gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Lacquer thinner
  • Wire brush
  • Clean rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wait for a warm week and raise the boat out of the water with a boat lift. Allow it to drip dry for an entire day.

    • 2

      Detach all the hoses to the exhaust manifold, then remove the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Pull the exhaust manifold away from the mount.

    • 3

      Wear a pair of safety glasses and protective gloves. Coat the inside of the manifold in a thin layer of lacquer thinner and scrub it thoroughly with a wire brush to break off debris.

    • 4

      Wipe away the lacquer thinner and debris using a dry rag. Soak a portion of a clean rag with lacquer thinner and thoroughly clean the exhausted manifold inside and out. Apply more lacquer thinner to the rag as necessary.

    • 5

      Return the exhaust manifold to the mounting bracket and bolt it down. Reattach all the hoses.