Mixing Elbow Removal - Mechanic Advise Needed!

[John Nantz]

Here is the problem: I can't get the mixing elbow out of the engine room!1. The mixing elbow is attached at the engine end with an ell which is held on with four bolts. The ell can be detached from the engine with no problem.2. The mixing elbow is attahced at the outlet end with the exhaust hose that goes to a waterlift muffler. This I cannont disconnect.3. The cooling water hose has been disconnected from the mixing elbow (open end can be seen in the picture.)4. Options:A. Remove the Mixing elbow/90-degree ell connector: Inspite of assembling this "loose" so it would be able to come apart easier next time it is STUCK! as in FROZE. Anyone who has ever worked on one of these knows the issue. Have not used any solvents like Knock-er-Loose yet but based on past experience I don't know if this would work anyhow. Besides, one could only use it on the lower part of the threaded coupling.B. Pull mixing elbow and 90-degree ell out through the aft end of the engine. I currently have the 90-degree ell disconnected from the back of the engine. Problem: there is not enough flex in the wire reinforced exhaust hose, and, the throttle cable is in the way. The cable could be removed but then there is still the hose flex issue. Also, the mixing elbow Plus the coupler Plus the ell is too large to fig through the remaining space.C. Remove exhaust hose from mixing elbow: This is what I'd really like to do and it would cure all my problems. The hose will absolutly not come off the end of the mixing elbow. I've tried wedging a flat screwdriver down between the iron elbow and the hose but I can't reach all the way around the hose so some of it is probably "welded" to the elbow - my guess. Question: is there something that one could squirt between the hose and the iron? Like, say, that stuff that electricans use to run wires through long conduits? Break fluid? Liquid dish washing detergent???D. The hose is in good shape so I really don't want to cut it - but that IS becoming an option.For the record, I've done this same project numerous times but NEVER had this much difficulty! And, the current mixing elbow and coupling were brand new the last time.What would a professional mechanic do?What would an amature mechanic do (besides take it to a professional)?Open to any suggestions!

 

[Steve Dion]

use a screw driver.

John:I removed my elbow several years ago (see photo forum).I had the same problem, just like everyone else does. The rubber is welded to the elbow from the heat.Take a thin straight bladed screw driver and bang it in between the elbow and the hose. Spray some WD-48 (that is the good stuff <g>, WD-40) into the opening and let it sit for a while. Use this method all around the hose. It will soften up the rubber (without damage) and you will eventually be able to remove it.I think that I had to remove the manifold to get enough leverage on the elbow/hose before it came loose. PS: this is HOW the backyard mechanic would approach it. If you really get desperate, you can cut the damn thing off with a hacksaw. The only problem with that is you may have to replace the entire hose. Then you have the other end to worry about. <g>

 

[Andy]

Dremel the hose

Is there any slack in the hose? If you have a few inches to spare, maybe you could use a Dremel tool to split the house a half inch or so to get it off.

 

[John Nantz]

i AM getting desperate!!!

Thanks Steve - cutting the hose, even at the cost of replaceing it (which is a LOT) is fast moving up the list of options!Right now there seems to be a really good overlap between the hose and the end of the elbow - maybe as much as 1½-inches. The really hard part is geting the screwdriver into the area underneath the inside of the elbow. But tomorrow is another day and geting as frustrated as I am in this heat I might just spring for that "extra effort". This hose won't even twist!Spelling: and yes, I know, "Advise" is spelled "Advice". Just goofed up and sent without proof reading! Oh well. Next time By the way, did I say it was HOT?

 

[John Nantz]

Hose Slack Problem

Unfortunately there is practically no hose slack. A small amount is needed for engine vibration (by the way, I aligned the engine yesterday and it purrrrs!) and given the very little "slack" there is I really don't want to steel any more length.BUT... this MIGHT be an option if I have to cut the hose anyway and then see what happens. Who knows? As they say, "nothing ventured, nothing gained."Thanks for the idea Andy.

 

[Steve Dion]

add a coupling.

John:If the WD-40 does not do the trick and you really need to cut the hose, you can always purchase a coupling to join two pieces of hose together. You may also want to try something like spray silicone. I know mine was a SOB, but it finally came off. I did need to remove the manifold so I could twist and turn it to loosen it up.

 

[Andy]

Now there's an idea-hose the joint

or rather joint the hose! Cut the friggin hose and when you replace the elbow ad a joint to the hose. Will that work? Or, can you loosen the hose on the other end and get it out to work on it in the open? Like heat it up with a torch dude! Sorry, I;ve gotten into a bigger hammer syndrome-dangerous around fiberglass,

 

[Rick D]

Oh, John: I Feel Your Pain

I had to replace my water heater and overhaul the macerator. In both cases, I had to cut off one hose from the connection. I used a hair dryer to warm them up and it worked at a 50% rate, but the other two got cut. There was enough slack to (barely) get everything re-connected, but at the end of the day, grab the knife and arm your wallet. Rick D.

 

[John Nantz]

"Friggin", "Cut", "Bigger Hammer",.....

.....now we're gettin' there! That's what I'm close to feelin like!Cut the hose and put a joint in - now there's an idea I haven't thought of. Not exactly my "trying to keep everything sanitary" idea, but an interesting idea nevertheless. hmmmm Money might not buy hapiness but it can buy an new length of exhaust hose! Well.. that could be hapiness, couldn't it?Cans of spray "stuff" - I got a garage FULL of that stuff! (What kind of silicone? Name your weapon!) In fact, just bought a new can of Du Pont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant, "sets up dry", "a better way to lubricate, no oily or greasy film". Says "O-ring safe"! "penetrates and loosens rusted or frozen parts": we'll see! The petroleum distillates are heptane, propane, and isobutane so they should be reasonably compatible with diesel exhaust hose, shouldn't they???Bigger hammer - yes Andy, that's a thought, we're gettin' there! Friggin? and that too! Handn't thought about your torch idea - that sounds cool! gettin' there too!Hair dryer: hmmmm maybe. But that hose is dog-gonned heavy stuff. I'll see if my wife will loan me hers and pack it along tomorrow. Thanks Rick.I thought about disconnecting the other end of the hose (on the waterlift muffler) but, unfortunately, that wouldn't buy me anything either because all the elbow "stuff" is inside the engine room and I wouldn't be able to get it out. Not enought room to go either forward or backward.Picture: While I was carrying tools and stuff down to the boat all the kids were geting started in their sailing class. Note the blue heron looking out for lunch. Just before the picture was taken he was eyein' the kids. Ahhh, to be young again!

 

[Steve Dion]

Heat was the original problem.

John:Heat is the original problem that is keeping the damn thing from coming off.This hose is tuff stuff (you knew that). I don't think that there is a lot you can put on it that is going to damage it.Assuming you have room, get some bigger screw drivers. I hope you are cussin' and yellin' a lot, this always seems to make a big difference.