In most cases, overlooking the fault in spare parts for a long duration is the prime cause of a marine engine breakdown. All spare parts in the engine room are prone to damage due to lack of maintenance. However, the marine exhaust manifold requires frequent inspection and timely overhauling.
Why do exhaust manifolds need your attention? What are the functions of this marine engine component?
In this blog post, we delve into the eminence of exhaust manifolds in the equipment health management on a ship.
What is Exhaust Manifold in a Ship
The engine liberates hazardous gases and fumes after every combustion cycle. Releasing these gases out of the system is necessary to prevent choking.
The marine exhaust manifold offers connectivity between the cylinders and the exhaust outlet for removing gaseous pollutants and fumes after each cycle. This component is the topmost part of the onboard engine. It is a complex bolted structure on the engine block comprising three parts, including a dual pipe framework:
- Engine-exhaust connecting flanges
- Inner pipe or primary tube
- Outer casing or the cooling jacket
The connecting flanges are connected to the engine with manifold fasteners/bolts for collecting gases from the cylinders. Additionally, these flanges are secured with a heavy-duty gasket to prevent the toxic gases from leaking into the engine room and other parts of the vessel.
The inner pipe carries the hot exhaust gases from the cylinder to the exhaust outlet. At the same time, the outer casing (secondary cooling jacket) carries a stream of cool raw water to remove the heat from the hot inner gas pipe.
Causes of Marine Exhaust Manifold Failure
Structural Deformity
Highly functional exhaust manifold receives enormous stress due to constant vibration and shocks, alongside exposure to varying temperature gradients, chemicals, and water. When the ship is docked to a dead halt at the port, the temperature of the marine engine manifolds drops to normal atmospheric temperature. These manifolds become vulnerable to structural deformation due to continuous exposure to temperature fluctuations.
Cracks and Warps
The manifold is tightly fastened to the engine block and lacks flexibility. Metallic contraction and expansion are part of the cooling and heating cycles in the dual pipe. Over the period, the rigid metal structures of the exhaust manifold can develop cracks and warps due to high-pressure environments, vibration, and shocks.
Corrosion and Scaling
Saltwater is mainly used as a coolant for marine exhaust manifolds due to ease of availability. Salt deposits in the manifold pipes over time can lead to scaling and corrosion.
Clogging and Pipe Blockage
The gas pipe accumulates lumps of carbon deposits (soot) from exhaust gases entering the area after successive combustion cycles. Lack of cleaning can block the gas pipe with carbon particulates. If the gases cannot pass to the outlet, they can return to the engine, causing back pressure. This enormous pressure can cause deformity of the piston and affect the connecting rod alignment.
Why do Marine Exhaust Manifolds Need Replacement Frequently
A faulty exhaust manifold has far-reaching consequences. Besides affecting the emission standards, a leaking or scaling manifold can introduce gases and coolant into the combustion chamber. Overheating and explosion are common consequences of exhaust system failure in marine vessels.
Replacing the engine setup is expensive beyond the hefty price tag. The downtime accounts for the loss of business and reputation. Moreover, many vessel insurance policies do not cover exhaust manifold damage.
Exhaust manifold replacement is a cost-effective and safe alternative to stay compliant with emission regulations and extend the service life of the marine engine.
Buy a Genuine Marine Exhaust Manifold for Your Engine Block
Shipbuilders worldwide trust only OEM spare parts for faulty exhaust manifold replacement. Alfa Marine Spare Parts is your destination to find marine exhaust manifolds from top brands at the best market prices.
Here is our lineup of popular exhaust manifold offerings:
Perkins 37781781 – 4.236 (DRY)
Perkins 37781321 – 4.236 (DRY)
You may also be like these manifold spare parts in our inventory, including:
Cummins 0154-2919 – Exhaust manifold gasket
Cummins A057Y947 – Manifold gasket
Cummins 0133-0234 – Manifold Heater
Cummins 0133-0233 – Manifold Heater
Cummins 0133-0226 – Manifold Heater
Visit our web catalogue to explore the entire range of manifolds for marine vessels.
Did not find the required part number in the product gallery?
Not a problem. Our sales staff can help you find authentic marine parts from top manufacturers. We have a massive stock of spare parts from Caterpillar, Cummins, Perkins, John Deere, Volvo Penta, Scania, Doosan, Komatsu, and other brands. Reach out with the required part number and the rest is on us.
