Westerbeke Exhaust Riser

[bigal]

In the process of winterizing our A4 a leak made itself apparent at the pipe connection between the manifold and a Westerbeke exhaust elbow riser (looks and measures like model #37403, no number on part). It turns out that the pipe connecting the riser to the manifold had basically rusted through in a spot that was not visible until the parts were removed. I'm guessing that the riser originally had a pipe tap in it, it's hard to tell now with the rust. Where would I get the parts to replace the connecting pipe and flange to the manifold? Also, how can I tell if this exhaust riser is any good? Replacement about $250.

[sastanley]

bigal - a lot of people are making their own with black pipe. Does yours go from the fancy We$terbeke riser to a water lift muffler via exhaust hose? I replaced my 'hot section' (never had a fancy riser) from the manifold to the $40 Moyer mixer (part EXHT_01.1_324) and then on to my water lift muffler. I already had the mixer, but the black pipe was probably $25 and then a $5 tube of Permatex & some heat wrap from the local NAPA.

If you need a connection to the manifold itself, Moyer also sells a reasonably priced flange (part EXHT_04_127 ) for $60. A combination of these may eliminate the riser completely, or maybe you just need a few $ of pipe to reconnect the manifold to the riser? :confused:

Got any pictures of your current setup?? That would help a lot in providing ideas and alternatives. :cool:

[bigal]

I will post some pictures later this week when I get some time, but yes the output of the exhaust riser attaches to the waterlift muffler via 2" hose. I didn't see the flange in the catalog, will look again.

[sastanley]

bigal - the URL is kinda long, here is a link to the Exhaust section (http://www.moyermarine.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?search=action&category=EXHT&keywords=all&template=Templates/B000_storebuilder.html)

Additionally, you can use the part numbers I entered above in the search area of the Moyer store. I am very happy with my flange..it replaced a very tired, thin and worn out looking thing (probably original Catalina issue) about 3 years ago and works great.

[bigal]

Does that flange have pipe threads on the inside diameter, it is not specified. I did read through several threads on this forum that lead me to believe that the Westerbeke exhaust riser is probably corroded through (I think it is an aluminum casting).

[msmith10]

Yes, the flange has internal threads- I think they're 1-1/4" NPT. The hardest part of the job is getting the old flange off the manifold.

[bigal]

I can tell, I think if I really try to take the bolts out they will snap. Gonna turn it over to a machine shop

[sastanley]

bigal, Yes, the flange has 1 1/4" NPT female threads...a piece of 1 1/4" pipe screws right into it.

If you can get the manifold off successfully, the minimal expense to remove those flange bolts at a machine shop may be worth it, to save the hassle of broken bolt heads. I also recently switched my bolts (that came with the Moyer flange) over to studs & nuts this past spring.

[edwardc]

The stainless bolts that were installed on the exhaust flange on my old blown engine came out with no problems when I tore it down. :) I highly recommend stainless hardware on the exhaust system. Saves all kinds of headaches down the road!

[bigal]

The manifold came off easily, but the bolts do not want to loosen. I hacksawed what was left of the pipe connecting the exhaust riser to the manifold flange to make it easier to get them off the boat and to handle later. Can the manifold be boiled out as is done to many auto castings during a rebuild?