QSM11 Slip Joint leaks

[Rory McInnes]

Hi all,

Firstly, this subject has been covered extensively online and indeed right here in ‘Tony’s Tips’ so I won’t go into too much detail.

My question is a two parted affair regarding the famous exhaust leaks on the QSM.

Has anyone tried a graphite gasket instead of the thin metal ones? Is there a reason this is no good?

I read somewhere that Seaboard Marine have had some success with a sealant on the slip joint, is this a specialist stocked item or a generic high temp sealant?

The latest story I heard from Cummins is that the “official fix” is a full replacement @2000 hrs, ouch!!

Thanks in advance
Rory

Topic

[CARL]

NOT YET

I did not have time, so my attempt has been put off until winter 2018.

[David Ross]

Any update on slip joint?

Any follow up on whether this worked?

[CARL]

I believe the sealant was for the gaskets, not the slip joint. I will be doing my port engine by myself this winter. I am a Mercedes tech, and a shop owner, and am terribly disappointed in marine repair quality.
I am considering using a high temp ceramic antisieze on the slip joint, applying, and sliding back and forth a bit to work it in. I hypothesize this may reduce friction at the slip joint, therefore wear, therefore leakage. I currently have no leakage there. I have light leakage at the manifold gaskets.
I am considering using my old manifold, with Remflex gaskets, as they say they can fill in for slight warpage.
VW had a similar issue with a manifold warping, they specifically said not to replace the manifold, as the new one would also warp. Reuse the old one, with upgraded studs and higher torque. I will replace all the studs and nuts. Of course, clean the coolers, replace seals, use lots of antisieze, etc. I have a 2007 Tiara, 900 hours, and have all receipts from new. This has never been done, only barnacle buster cleaning . Will let you know how it goes. Expecting major project creep.

[Tony Athens]

Rory,

I’ve been dealing with this issue since 1999 on the 1st set of QSM 11’s I installed. It’s been hit & miss since then Decent success on very lightly propped QSM 11’s, with only very short term success and any of them that use over 18-20 GPH at cruise RPM’s………………

IMO, This is a systemic and or design issue with no sure fix.

As to sealants etc–I’ve try both CAT and some other stuff made in Germany once– Worthless other than for maybe a few 100 hours..

The wet QSM11, propped to make 2150 RPM & using 18-22 GPH at cruise is long term solid..

Tony

[Author]

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