Winter is perfect for building a new exhaust on the boat. I tried all the standby's for removing the bushing in my exhaust manifold flange. 6' wrenches, PB B...llshit Blaster, heat. No go. I talked to and researched plumbing. Those guys have to remove 100 year old bushings from steam radiators. The answer was there.

After sawing off the 1 1/2" exhaust pipe, in a vise, make a cut across the top of the bushing just to the flange shoulder. Then, very carefully so as not to hit the threads, cut a shallow slot inside the bushing.

Back on the floor in the 2 foot wrench with a 4' pipe extension, putting all my weight on the other 2' wrench with 4' pipe, it still didn't budge.

Back in the vise to make another slit just shy of the threads, 180 degrees across from the first. Repeat the above,...I felt something move! One little harmless nick on the outside of the flange, threads unscathed.

Now I can start collecting 2" black iron pipe fittings, starting with a new 2 1/2" X 2" bushing. I have the muffler. I went with a larger diameter for more volume (1 1/3 gallon) and larger 2 3/8" hose diameter thinking that would increase volume for water left in the system after shut down(and less risk of over cranking flooding the engine).

Any wisdom?