Exhaust riser for an O'day 30

[John Hughes]

My boat has the Universal Atomic diesel Model 20 engine. The exhaust riser let go and I'm searching for a replacement part. Does anyone have any leads or experience with this problem?

 

[Rch]

Just went thru it!

I just replaced my exhaust this past summer. It seems to be a common problem on these boats. As far as I know the original was fabricated from 1.25 NPT iron pipe. I had the local marina fix mine for me because of lack of time and the distance I live from my boat. They however changed the design and ordrered a casting that would allow them to inject the water nearer the rear of the engine without that tall riser. From everything I've heard on this site most other people have replaced them like the original. I was going to do that, the only thing that isn't standard pipe is the last drop where the water is injected. I guess you would need to have a nipple welded onto that drop on an angle so the water is injected away from the engine. Torrenson Marine sells the flange on the back of the Manifold if you would need it. I could probably get the part number of the casting they used on mine if you wanted to change the design. The owner of the marina talked to Westerbeke and they recommended this method, they said the old method was a fire hazard with that big riser. Who knows! The old one I think gives you a little more protection from water being able to get bach to your engine.Good luckRich

 

[J.B. Dyer]

Exhaust Flange

Morning John:If your beating yourself up trying to find a factory replacement for your exhaust riser, you can stop now. I've been through it with a Universal M25. The only part unique to the engine itself is the flange that bolts onto the manifold. Apparently every boat manufacturer that uses the Universal and other engines as well, custom make the exhaust risers/injectors to suit their particular model. Mine blew earlier this year and after calls to Torrenson and other supplier's, I finally figured that out. Like Rch said, the exhaust/riser/injector is simply 1.25 inch piping, elbows, and a nipple welded in the proper spot. Most are of black iron. You can take your exhaust out and take it to just about any plumbing/machine shop and have one made up to fit for a lot less than what you will pay a marina shop to do it. If your flange is in good shape, all you will need in addition is a gasket which Torrenson does have. If you haven't done it yet, I would soak the flange and associated bolts real good with WD40 or some other penetrating oil and let it sit for a couple of days before trying to take the bolts out.Luck!

 

[John Hughes]

Who'd of thunk it was just plain ol dlead pipe!

Many thanks J.B. and Rich - I really appreciate the information. A local marine mechanic is giving me a hand with the project - turns out he has replaced dozens of exhaust systems here in Florida. Let me know if you are interested and I will post the details of the project as it moves forward.