I will check about the bronze fitting. It is hard to see where the water lift muffler actually lives. The output exhaust hose from the riser eblow goes a short way behind the engine to a reducer fitting so it probably transitions from 2" hose to 1 1/2" hose, why they did not keep the same hose diameter, maybe the other mavens on this site know. In any case the smaller exhaust hose disappears to the starboard side lazarette and finally out the transom, they have to route the exhaust out from the aft sleeping area. Somewhere in that route I am sure the water lift muffler lives but in anyone can direct me better, please do.
In any case, the riser/elbow was last changed in 1999 at 1243 engine hours again because of an "rpm problem". Kinda cryptic note from a previous owner, but it is 18 years and 1200 engine hours later, so I will change the riser/elbow anyway. I am having trouble breaking loose the exhaust hose from the nipple, I will try breaking the seal with a awl or thin blade but if anyone has any cute tricks, please let me know. A gorilla would be most helpful at this point.
A local mechanic, very highly rated, says if I can undo the three nuts holding the exhaust flange onto the engine and undo the two hoses, and bring him the entire riser and flange, he will swap the riser/elbow easily, if he has to make a "house call" it is a day's labor. So there is cost incentive to get the exhaust hose off. It may be easier to remover the hose at the reducer fitting, better access.