[wfbeacom@me.com]

I have a 1993 36 ft convertible with original 375 hp Caterpillar 3208s.  The turbos are experiencing corrosion at the exit which is indicative of water intrusion.  This is usually caused by not having enough vertical drop in the exhaust system.  I have never heard of this problem with this model and it along with the express were very popular in their day with many years in production and 100s if not 1000s manufactured.  Anyone else had a similar issue or know of a potential fix.

[jclark003]

I had to replace turbine housings on an 01 43 open due to corrosion. It’s not always the exhaust system design or water intrusion that causes this issue, although there is some debate over this. The hot side of the turbo is exposed to constant humidity and salt doesn’t help at all. According to an engineer at Cat, boats that run a lot, such as commercial vessels, almost never see these issues because they aren’t sitting in a pool of salty humid air for extended periods of time.
If this is the first time (or even second time) the housings are being replaced on a 28 year old saltwater boat I wouldn’t loose any sleep over it what so ever. If the turbos are original you may want to consider complete reman’s from Cat. Price probably wont be much more and you will get fresh cartridges as well.

Good luck

[wfbeacom@me.com]

Thanks, JClark. I suspected marine age was a contributor. These turbos were refurbished in 2008 and have 1800 hrs of salt use. Some of the other forums think vertical drop to waterline is the contributing factor, but I don't think so. My turbo guy thinks they look normal for that amount of time and hrs.

[jclark003]

Good luck getting it all worked out. My 43 ran like a thoroughbred and sounded like a jet engine after the new housings went in. I heard the same info on other sites, that there was a design issue in the exhaust system. I didn't see it that way, neither did a Cat marine engineer, and it was an academic issue anyway since there are limitations based on the hull and engine room layout. Happy boating!!