Mixing Elbow Gasket

[leahcime]

Hi all -

I am replacing a mixing elbow and the U style part on my 2GM20F. I have removed the old corroded parts and now need to reattach the new parts (elbow, gasket, u style part and the connector).

Here's my question, due to the access in the engine compartment I can't scrape off some of the remaining gasket material that seems to have baked on to the engine where it connects. Do you think putting a new gasket on top of this (which seems like it is etched on) will be ok?

Thanks All!

Mike

 

[Steve Dion]

Mike:

You really need to be sure that the cylinder head & the manifold seat properly without any chance of an exhaust leak. This is carbon monoxide and can be deadly.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Do you think putting a new gasket on top of this (which seems like it is etched on) will be ok?

I know it's not much consolation, but depending on how old the gasket is, if not much older than 15 years, it might be graphite foil. This material does not stick too tightly to the flange surface.

You may not be so lucky and have a fibre gasket. Try softening the gasket with whatever penetrating oil you have around. Use a razor sharp chisel to worry away at it, and more pen. oil, and more chiselling, and more oil, etc, etc, ....................

But yes, for safety sake, the flange faces MUST be clean to avoid leaking CO into the cabin space.

When you have it clean, put lots of parting compound on the new gasket to avoid the same problem years down the raod.

 

[braol]

Yes...even and clean gasket mating surfaces are best.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I'm not sure how big you are, but I recently helped a fellow H28.5 owner replace his mixing elbow and gasket. Much to surprise, I was able to slide my body in and over the engine to get to old elbow and gasket. When you look at the space available, it looks impossible, but it really is possible unless your are a really big guy. If you are too big, find a small friend. It is not for the claustrophobic, however.... Good luck.

 

[mphughes31]

It is important to use a dry talc type of no-stick, if you use anything. Do not use an RTV or similar, they attack the binders in fiber gaskets causing them to leak.

 

[leahcime]

Thanks everyone! I will try some of your suggestions this week. For the record, I'm not a small guy so I'll have to make do.

As I mentioned, I was able to get the gasket off and it is pretty much in tact but it left some residue as I will call it. I'll attack it with everyones suggestions.

Thanks,

Mike