Exhaust related question

[OldSchool]

I recently purchased a 98 GSX limited that I have confirmed will run, but ran like dogmeat. I chalk this up to the gaping leaks in the exhaust (one at the seal on the tuned pipe, the other was the hose being totally disconnected from the plastic connection leading to the rear outlet) My first question is what sealant should I be using to connect the halves of the tuned pipe? As a tech, the split pipe just came on as I quit servicing Sea-doo's and while I have sealed one up, it was provided by the shop from Bombardier. What is the equivalent I can find in the regular world?

Second, the trailing end of the large hose off the water-box was disconnected from a very thin, plastic connection. It does not appear to be the highest grade material and very vulnerable to high heat (as if it could easily melt if the pipe dried out for any short period of time) It is slightly deformed, but appears to be whole. Is their a method some have found to provide a really solid connection to this part? It reminds me of a plastic muffler of some kind. This part was not present on the previous Seadoo's I serviced. Not on the 787 powered boats of 96 that I can remember. It's purpose? It looks like it runs along the area where the sponsons are attached, usually occupied by foam. any tips would be GREATLY appreciated.

The boat ran, but struggled to get to RPM's. I think it is partially the exhaust being disconnected and partially the fact that smoke was filling the bilge and being sucked in with those pipes being disconnected. As I waved a flat board in front of the intake, the RPMS increased the more smoke I blew away. Compression was 120 on PTO cylinder and 117 on Mag side. Seems fair for an old boat like that and I remember those numbers being acceptable for stock boats, just didn't know much on the 951.

Thanks!

 

[OldSchool]

Well Thanks!

I went and cleaned the heck out of the tuned pipe connection, scraped, scotch-brite and then the rag with 409 on it followed by water until it wouldn't leave a trace on a clean white rag. As far as the rear connection at the "resonator" I found a piece of exhaust pipe, cut it down to 2.5" long, then sleeved the inside of that plastic fitting on the resonator. It wont budge and it allowed me to tighten that clamp down well. I just want to get it through the rest of the season until the Winter when I rebuild the engine to my liking. Nasty bilge too. Had all sorts of crud and nastiness in there. put the plugs in, dishsoap, water and mixed it around, then drained. Smell is pretty much gone, but I remember the smell of those bilges like it was yesterday. Especially if the boat had the seat on for a long time on a hot day.

 

[OldSchool]

I should add that I did not disturb the ring inside the cone portion of the tuned pipe, I remembered from the first 951's, taking one of those out and damaging the heck out of it. Right when they were new, so that meant no replacement parts. i think it will be okay, looks pretty tight and smooth.

 

[OldSchool]

If I didn't know any better, I would guess that I can eliminate the resonator or plastic POS in the back of the boat and replace it with properly bent exhaust tubing or even heavy PVC as long as I keep the water flowing well. That thing looks like a waste of space and appears to also interfere with sponson replacement.