Westerbeke exhaust riser loose

[mattman]

Hi folks, I have a W21 with a custom fabricated exhaust riser before the mixing elbow.

The problem is that the iron pipe connected to the exhaust flange keeps vibrating loose after a few dozen hours of running the engine.

This video shows it:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Fnv81GEGySGJ5PpG2

The mechanic has tried to tighten the connection twice now, and said there's nothing more he can do.

He recommended I fabricate a steel strut around the riser and fasten to an engine bolt -- with the goal of keeping the riser and engine vibrating at a similar frequency.

Would this help and be would be worth the investment to mitigate the problem? Or is it likely that I can continue to operate as-is without much concern?

I've confirmed there's no CO leak thus far so I'm on the fence if this needs attention, immediately or otherwise.

Thanks!

[DougR]

Your mechanic is correct. Install a support brace/bracket triangulated from the end of the riser pipe to a strong bolt such as a flywheel housing bolt. This should prevent the riser pipe from vibrating loose.

You can google some of the marine muffler sites to get an idea of support bracket design.

DougR