Carbon Build-up in Exhaust Elbow

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Tom FitzGibbon

This weekend I'll be pulling the exhaust elbow due to a build up of carbon and other hard stuff in it. If I can avoid replacing it, does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean it out? Someone suggested elbow grease and a chisel or long screwdriver. Someone else suggested having it "boiled" at a radiator shop, but I'm not even sure what that means. Thanks. Tom FitzGibbon s/v Plan B
 
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Rob

Diesel Doctor recomends

The "Diesel Doctor".....from Dont be a diesel dork class just held in Annapolis recomends.....throwing it out and buying a new one........he said sure you can remove it and take a coat hanger and spend a Sat poking it out all day but recomends just tossing it.....They passed a cloged elbow around in class........You would be amazed how much crap can build up in there.
 
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
Does anyone know why?

Why does the crap build THERE, and not in any of the rest of the system???? Is it because cold water 'condenses' the carbon?
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,318
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Exhaust Riser

Tom Rob is right, just replace it, what happens is that the hot diesel exhaust gas is mixed with the cooling water at the nipple injection, and that's a vicious mix of stuff. It rots the piping from in the inside out. Last August I had it fail on me and wrote it all up in the Febraury 2004 Mainsheet maagzine, C34 Tech Notes section. More info can be found at: http://c34.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=srch&s=329609511&findw=exhaust+riser and http://c34.org/projects/projects-exhaust.html Lots of technical info available on the C34 website, using their search and find engines. Stu
 
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Jim Smith

Rob, the Service Manager at

Norton's recommended the same... toss it. Fred, I think the reason that it builds up there (again, per my local Yanmar Guru who I'd side with over anyone else)is because that is where the salt sea water and the air mix at very high temps. Regards, -Jim- s/v Forever
 
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Bill O'Donovan

You get peace of mind

with a new one for $150. The larger problem is getting the new one back on, since they can be a challenge. But you'd have that problem either way.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Get a new one....

Tom: I would suggest that you get a new elbow. I paid $100 for mine a few years back. You want to be sure that you order a new gasket (goes between the block and the manifold) too. Getting the two pieces apart is the biggest challenge. The manifold has one thread the elbow has the opposite thread. We used a torch to heat up the two pieces and then used a pipe wrench w/a breaker bar in a large vise (still not easy). You may also want a new coupling that goes between the two parts too. When you reassemble them be sure that you use some never sieze that they use on the exhaust systems. This may help getting them apart in the future. Once you get the old elbow off you can try to clean it and save it for a spare. Many times they are very corroded through the internal walls of the elbow that they cannot be reused. I posted a piece in the photo forum a couple of years back on the removal and replacement of the elbow.
 
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Tom FitzGibbon

Thanks for the advice.

It looks like I need to order a replacement elbow! Tom
 
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
Tom, I'm on my third elbow. I sent the last one to

JetHot for their 'system 2000' ceramic coating. It has a dark gray finish and won't rust on the outside. As far as the inside, time will tell. Also the nature of coatings like this (plastic/powder too) is that when it is sprayed on prior to the cure, it can't get into the recesses as well as dipping. But anything is better than bare iron/saltwater/dieselfumes. A picture is on my web site. Also I plumbed a fresh water flush for my engine, to help in the off season. (just for the elbow) P.S. Tom be sure to check your exhaust hose for wear. Mine was bad in only five years. It dripped water to the bilge under power. My buddies sister ship is fine after 18 years.
 
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John K Kudera

Glad to see

You still have Plan B. I am a friend of the previous owner, and spent lots of time aboard her. She is a fine boat and the reason I now have my H 34. Best of luck.
 
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Tom FitzGibbon

Fred, thanks...

I'll probably forego the ceramic coating this time, but I figured I would replace all the related hoses while I was doing the elbow. Of course, I'll have to add in the cost of a couple dozen roses to keep her ladyship happy given the additional expense. Tom
 
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Tom FitzGibbon

John K

Good to hear from you again. How's Dave doing? Please give him my regards. We still have Plan B (I still can't gather the nerve to ask my kids what Plan A was) and she still handles like a true lady. Regards, Tom
 
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