surge tubes

JohnCranston · Post by **JohnCranston** » Jun 3rd, '08, 14:14

Gentlemen,
What are these?, and what are they used for?. Do I need them for the 315 Yanmar install? The mechanic wants to know if any b31 owners are installing them on their repowers.
Much thanks.

ZeroCavity · Post by **ZeroCavity** » Jun 3rd, '08, 14:32

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Jun 3rd, '08, 15:09

Surge tubes are an extra precaution to prevent the ingestion of water into your engine.

From the installs I have seen they are located at the base of the dumps, where your exhaust goes into the transition from verticle to horizontal. They are pretty much a capped tube extending in the opposite direction to the flow of exhaust and water.

How well they work, I have no first hand knowledge. I know of installs but never really heard of anyone installing them because they had a problem. I'm sure someone will chime in with more info.

JP Dalik · Post by **JP Dalik** » Jun 3rd, '08, 20:20

Yes you need them. A surge tube allows water pushed from the exhaust to dump into a tube instead of pushing up and over the riser in marine applications. The B31 is a very low boat with its built down hull it is very difficult to achieve 12-14" from the center of the exhaust outlet to the waterline a surge tube is an extra measure of safety which makes it more difficult for water to be pushed into the exhaust riser and any open exhaust valve (potentially causing a hydraulic lock of a cylinder or the complete engine)
I would not build an exhaust system without a surge tube. If you plan on anchoring in any kind of weather or docking with the stern to the current you will need these tubes.
Good luck if I find the time I will post some pics of our installation as well, but zero cavity is right on the money with his shots. Ounce of prevention equals several thousands of dollars in repair.

DRIFTER31 · Post by **DRIFTER31** » Jun 3rd, '08, 20:27

Anyone know of a source for these in 5in.

JohnCranston · Post by **JohnCranston** » Jun 3rd, '08, 22:03

I have the drop down "u" I guess you might call it a mixing elbow? Is this this enough? Sorry, but, I'm not really able to comprehend 0 Cavity's pics.
We do anchor alot or tie off to the offshore rigs. Thanks

Harv · Post by **Harv** » Jun 4th, '08, 01:34

John,

I have edited the pictures for Pam to look at. The surge tubes (silver) are pointed out by the black arrows. They are located at the bottom of the rise tubes and extend forward of the junction where the tube starts upward. The effect is for surging water to take the path of least resistance, which would be on the same level as the exhausts, instead of heading up the rise tubes. Hope this helps you visualize the set up. Even I didn't notice it the first time I looked at the pictures.

nic · Post by **nic** » Jun 4th, '08, 04:23

John,

In my opinion, you definitely need something. We used the fibreglass exhaust mufflers with the internal flap to prevent water back-flow. So far so good...I'll get you the model No. if you want, they are made in the States.

Nic

Rawleigh · Post by **Rawleigh** » Jun 4th, '08, 09:52

John: Basically the horizontal exhaust tube extends forward of the place where it Y's up to the engine manifold. Surge tubes are 18 to 24 " long and the same diameter as the exhaust. They are just an extension of the exhaust pipe with a cap on the end. Any water that may be driven up the exhaust will go straight into the cul de sac of the surge tube rather than turning upward and being pushed into the engine as it would if a simple elbow were used to make the turn up to the engine. Once the wave or other event is over, the exhaust pressure will push the water back out of the exhaust. They are there only for very short term water intrusion events like a wave or surge when backing up.

JohnCranston · Post by **JohnCranston** » Jun 4th, '08, 11:52

I think that I've got it now. Thanks for the discription, guys. Where can these be obtained? I have 4" exhaust.

JP Dalik · Post by **JP Dalik** » Jun 4th, '08, 11:59

Build them out of 4" fiberglass tube. They are kind of a custom thing. Not hard to do if you or someone you know if familiar with basic fiberglass work.
I've seen them out of stainless as well.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Jun 4th, '08, 12:35

http://www.marine-exhaust.com/marine/pr ... tubes.html

Most of the ones I have seen have been hand made from fiberglass exhaust tube.

JohnCranston · Post by **JohnCranston** » Jun 4th, '08, 14:21

Sounds too easy...must be some catch...nothing about this repower has been easy. Talked to the mechanic and was told that the tubes are a piece of cake.
Thanks again for the help.

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