I bought this boat (97 Speedster, Twin 720's) in February- I'm a Newbie to boating - June had all 4 bolts on tuned pipe/exhaust break - shop repaired, then only a few trips out 1 broke again! Mechanic seems to think the engine and pump are out of alignment causing the stress - any takes on this theory? any idea's of other issues (less expensive!) that could be causing this? I'm all ears . . . not too thrilled on the money this jewel is costing me already . . . and I do love my boat . . but really !

97 speedster twin 720's
Started by jthompco, Aug 24 2004 05:55 PM
1 reply to this topic
#1
Posted 24 August 2004 - 05:55 PM
#2
Posted 24 August 2004 - 08:23 PM
Welcome to the board!
The mechanic has a good idea of what is causing the problem with the broken bolts. Engine misalignment could cause it, although it would have to be misaligned significantly in my opinion to cause it. The exhaust system is somewhat flexible and can stand a little misalignment. There is an installation procedure listed in the manual that specifies which bolts/nuts to tighten first, and how to actually align all the exhaust components so the bolts/stud last longer without breakage. That being said, there must have been a known issue with those bolts to have published that in the service manual. Check the rubber grommets where the bolts that hold the bottom portion of the tuned pipe to the side of the exhaust manifold. Make sure they are in good shape and not allowing the pipe to vibrate excessively.
The mechanic has a good idea of what is causing the problem with the broken bolts. Engine misalignment could cause it, although it would have to be misaligned significantly in my opinion to cause it. The exhaust system is somewhat flexible and can stand a little misalignment. There is an installation procedure listed in the manual that specifies which bolts/nuts to tighten first, and how to actually align all the exhaust components so the bolts/stud last longer without breakage. That being said, there must have been a known issue with those bolts to have published that in the service manual. Check the rubber grommets where the bolts that hold the bottom portion of the tuned pipe to the side of the exhaust manifold. Make sure they are in good shape and not allowing the pipe to vibrate excessively.
1997 Seadoo XP 800 (sorry, at least it is a DOO!!!)
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