Help with Beta engine issue

[Crinan12]

Hi all

I removed my heat exchanger/exhaust from my engine because I snapped an exhaust bolt and i want to be able to sort it out at home.

But I have some questions please:

1. There seems to be some damage corrosion (?) at the area where the bronze heat exchanger cap bolts onto the heat exchanger body. Why would that be the case? I change the pencil anode regularly, but there was 1 occasion when I went to change it and the anode had fallen out of the brass bolt thing so perhaps the damage occurred then?

Anyway i suppose my question is if it seals OK do I just do nothing or should I replace the heat exchanger body while I have got it off? (I am guessing it's an expensive part!). Or any other type of repair to this area?

2. I was going to replace my high rise exhaust as a precaution but it has been welded at the top as if it has been modified - perhaps to make it fit? Which would mean it is not an exhaust I can just order from Beta or whatever? Engine fitted 2007, 500 hours - I have read the exhausts can corrode so I'd rather replace it if it's not going to cost a fortune.

3. Can I leave my boat with the flexible exhaust hose the way it is? I.e. am I in danger of sinking my boat?

Thank you in advance

Douglas

 

[doug748]

The corrosion is probably a symptom of leakage past the seal over a number of years. It's easy to misplace the seals and ignore the leaks at the back. The high riser has had a repair, not a good one by the look, they tend to fracture at that point. My guess is that a new high rise might be about £300 from Beta. If you have a good fabrication shop nearby they may be able to copy it cheaper.

When you speak to Beta my be worth asking the price for a new body.....if the area around the seal is still fairly good you may be able to re-use it. Just got to clean it up and try with new seals really.

.

 

[Crinan12]

The corrosion is probably a symptom of leakage past the seal over a number of years. It's easy to misplace the seals and ignore the leaks at the back. The high riser has had a repair, not a good one by the look, they tend to fracture at that point. My guess is that a new high rise might be about £300 from Beta. If you have a good fabrication shop nearby they may be able to copy it cheaper.

When you speak to Beta my be worth asking the price for a new body.....if the area around the seal is still fairly good you may be able to re-use it. Just got to clean it up and try with new seals really.

.

I seem to remember the previous owner saying when he bought the exhaust he had to hacksaw it apart and then get it welded....or something like that. Thanks. I'll speak to beta.

 

[alahol2]

If that's the position that the tube stack was in during use then I'd say it is not far enough into the body of the heat exchanger. As a result it has leaked around the edge of the end cap and corroded the body of the heat exchanger. Give it a good wire brushing to see if you have a serious problem or not.
You need to get the tube stack out to check it.
I broke a couple of exhaust bolts on mine. Luckily they were loose in the threads when the manifold was removed and unscrewed easily.
The new bolts were replaced with copper grease on the threads. I now loosen, retighten the bolts every winter to ensure they don't get frozen in again.

 

[Supertramp]

I have something similar (Beta 60).

I have a very slight weep of antifreeze (not salt) from the end cap with the anode by the exhaust riser. It shows on a tissue but doesn't lead to any topping up even over 12 months. After reseating on new O rings twice I have realised the weep is between the metal sleeve the heat exchanger slides into and the alloy of the heat exchanger body, not from the O rings. It is the same as in your 3rd and 4th pictures but mine is less corroded. Mine has some sealing between the heat exchanger and ring which has started to break away. I was planning to try replacing the band of sealing with JB weld next time I strip it.

My advice is to contact Beta direct with your engine WOC number, sending your pictures and ask their advice - maybe the metal rings can be replaced and resealed into the heat exchanger. Beta are usually very knowledgeable and helpful.

Loose exhaust should be OK if the open end and the outlet are above water line level.

 

[Supertramp]

Sorry, one more point. I think the heat exchanger body replacement is very expensive - £000's. I recall it requires an upgrade to three bolt end caps and a different exchanger tube. Worth repairing.

 

[Crinan12]

Thanks. I've sent beta an email and asked for a price for a new exhaust and heat exchanger.

I don't think I actually need a new heat exchanger though, mine doesn't leak - I think my damage is from an old leak. But if wasn't too expensive I'd just replace it now because it was a job getting the thing out - but sounds like it will be pricey.

 

[Crinan12]

Discovered you can purchase replacement rings from Ebay for £125 incase anyone reads this and is interested.
You have to fit them obviously but it doesn't look like it would be too tricky.

 

[alahol2]

Discovered you can purchase replacement rings from Ebay for £125 incase anyone reads this and is interested.
You have to fit them obviously but it doesn't look like it would be too tricky.

Excellent, thanks for the info.