ability to take out and clean? is it doable, or better to buy new one? how much of a mess will it be?
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Rudy, rudy, rudy
If you search the Photo forum archives you will see my elbow change out. Not a big deal, but it does take 3 arms. I would recommend that you purchase a new one and if the old one is OKAY you can then clean it up as a spare. Much of the problem with them is that then end up corroding and cannot be salvaged. The price for a new one is around $100 including the gasket. As you will see the union between the manifold and the elbow has opposite threads and they can be nearly impossible to take apart. If you have access to a torch and a vise it would be helpful. Be sure to turn OFF the raw water intake before you start and turn it ON when you start the engine.
If you search the Photo forum archives you will see my elbow change out. Not a big deal, but it does take 3 arms. I would recommend that you purchase a new one and if the old one is OKAY you can then clean it up as a spare. Much of the problem with them is that then end up corroding and cannot be salvaged. The price for a new one is around $100 including the gasket. As you will see the union between the manifold and the elbow has opposite threads and they can be nearly impossible to take apart. If you have access to a torch and a vise it would be helpful. Be sure to turn OFF the raw water intake before you start and turn it ON when you start the engine.
Try here
http://www.c-2.com/upload/menu.tpl?fno=0 Check all articles for the Hunter 31 and it's at the top of the list.
http://www.c-2.com/upload/menu.tpl?fno=0 Check all articles for the Hunter 31 and it's at the top of the list.
give yourself a break
If you are looking for a way to clean your mixing elbo, there is a much easier way than getting a torch, 3rd arm (I can't imagine getting another persons body close enough to help in that cramped area)and taking the blasted thing off. If you remove the little fitting that screws into the side of the elbo (coming from back of header tank)you can use a very small screwdriver, chunk of bent clothes hanger, etc to chip the coking out and blast water or air through it to clean. It does help to take off the rubber exhaust hose on the right side of the removed fitting so you can see/feel the progress and get to the channel from the other side. Our was real coked up and we had her clean as a whistle if about half hour and back together. Dentist mirror and good light help too. Doug
If you are looking for a way to clean your mixing elbo, there is a much easier way than getting a torch, 3rd arm (I can't imagine getting another persons body close enough to help in that cramped area)and taking the blasted thing off. If you remove the little fitting that screws into the side of the elbo (coming from back of header tank)you can use a very small screwdriver, chunk of bent clothes hanger, etc to chip the coking out and blast water or air through it to clean. It does help to take off the rubber exhaust hose on the right side of the removed fitting so you can see/feel the progress and get to the channel from the other side. Our was real coked up and we had her clean as a whistle if about half hour and back together. Dentist mirror and good light help too. Doug
Replace to be safe
If the elbow is clogged it can be cleaned and work fine but beware - if the material between the exhaust and water jacket get too thin (which is most likely the case), it can leak water into the exhaust before you are aware of it and you'll hydrolock your engine. A new elbow and union would be much cheaper in the long run. Mine was completely blocked and I cleaned it where it worked fine - then spoke with a fellow that has had dealings with Yanmars and he mentioned the good chance it could leak into the exhaust. I ordered one and replaced mine as soon as I could.
If the elbow is clogged it can be cleaned and work fine but beware - if the material between the exhaust and water jacket get too thin (which is most likely the case), it can leak water into the exhaust before you are aware of it and you'll hydrolock your engine. A new elbow and union would be much cheaper in the long run. Mine was completely blocked and I cleaned it where it worked fine - then spoke with a fellow that has had dealings with Yanmars and he mentioned the good chance it could leak into the exhaust. I ordered one and replaced mine as soon as I could.
You've got company
The propensity of the Yanmar mixing elbow to clog within three years is so pervasive that our yard keeps the thing in stock at the ships store, where they sell one a month. Best advice is to avoid running at low rpm's and run higher to keep up the flow.
The propensity of the Yanmar mixing elbow to clog within three years is so pervasive that our yard keeps the thing in stock at the ships store, where they sell one a month. Best advice is to avoid running at low rpm's and run higher to keep up the flow.
And the 2GMF- 13HP????
If this is pervasive on the 18HP,, what about the frequency of elbow replacement on the 13HP. I've had no problems in 10 yrs. Would like other 13 HP owners to comment. Jim McCue
If this is pervasive on the 18HP,, what about the frequency of elbow replacement on the 13HP. I've had no problems in 10 yrs. Would like other 13 HP owners to comment. Jim McCue
Mixing elbow gasket
I made the mistake on my Yanmar 3GM(F) of not having the gasket at hand.. Installed a homemade job that leaked. Later pulled the elbow, replaced the gasket and used PST sealing compound. By the way.. I cleaned the elbow.. as in freshwater, corrosion was minimal.
I made the mistake on my Yanmar 3GM(F) of not having the gasket at hand.. Installed a homemade job that leaked. Later pulled the elbow, replaced the gasket and used PST sealing compound. By the way.. I cleaned the elbow.. as in freshwater, corrosion was minimal.
Frequency of replacing the Elbow
Our local Yanmar folks say to replace the elbow every four years whether it need it or not. Kind of a preventive maintenance thing. We know of two cases where the mixing elbow "went" on other brands of diesels and it will put your diesel OUT OF COMMISSION! That is serious enough that we will replace it every four years, even if we see no problem. Thanks, Roger Mummah H31
Our local Yanmar folks say to replace the elbow every four years whether it need it or not. Kind of a preventive maintenance thing. We know of two cases where the mixing elbow "went" on other brands of diesels and it will put your diesel OUT OF COMMISSION! That is serious enough that we will replace it every four years, even if we see no problem. Thanks, Roger Mummah H31
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