Yanmar mixing elbow?

mz4wheeler · Jul 7, 2016

I was also tempted to buy a SS elbow, but since the original lasted 30 years I went with OEM. Maybe the Yanmar engineers had a good reason to use cast iron over SS.

Ken13559 · Jul 7, 2016

I installed the eBay ss ones recently. Check back next year, I'll let you know how it turns out.

kito · Jul 7, 2016

mz4wheeler said:
I was also tempted to buy a SS elbow, but since the original lasted 30 years I went with OEM. Maybe the Yanmar engineers had a good reason to use cast iron over SS.

Same here. My original lasted 36 years. It wasn't really corroded that bad, just clogged up. Why mess with what works?

rfrye1 · Jul 7, 2016

When it comes time to replace the elbow, couple questions. Do you remove the 4 bolts from the manifold? Or the 2way pipe fitting that connects the elbow to the manifold piece? Also, any reason why you don't just have the elbow cleaned/dipped? And reuse it?
Thanks. Bob

Charles Erwin · Jul 7, 2016

Remove the entire assembly. You will need copious heat , a very long handle wrench, and sturdy vise to remove the coupler thus to separate the two parts. The coupler should be replaced with new even if you are successful in cleaning the elbow. Replace the gasket too.

Charles

mz4wheeler · Jul 7, 2016

Charles Erwin said:
Remove the entire assembly. You will need copious heat , a very long handle wrench, and sturdy vise to remove the coupler thus to separate the two parts. The coupler should be replaced with new even if you are successful in cleaning the elbow. Replace the gasket too.
Charles

One of the benefits of getting the OEM elbow is taking the whole assembly to a yamar dealer (at least MINE) and let those guys vice it up and replace the new elbow. My dealer didn't charge at all.

SFS · Jul 7, 2016

mz4, you replaced the elbow only, and they mated it to the existing coupler, which you reused?

MitchM · Jul 7, 2016

as i recall from my dark past replacing the el on my 2GM20F: when you are doing this job yourself, call a yan mar dealer ask in the parts manual if it shows any of the bolts reverse threaded. on some 2GM20Fs some retaining bolts are reverse threaded right LOOSE left TIGHT. they did this on some engines so the el would not vibrate loose. and so DIY ers would tear their hair out trying to do a $150 elbow replacement.

mz4wheeler · Jul 7, 2016

SFS said:
mz4, you replaced the elbow only, and they mated it to the existing coupler, which you reused?

Yup. Removed the 4 bolts, removed the 3" exhaust hose and took the whole assembly to the dealer. The parts guys were happy to get physical, go to their shop and remove/replace the elbow.

HMT2 · Jul 8, 2016

Yes sir take the manifold off, it's the easiest way to go, and you will need a good vice and big ol pipe wrench to get the elbow loose. My yanmar dealer let me use his. All of the guys were out, but the lady that was working the counter led me to their workbench and said have at it!

kloudie1 · Jul 8, 2016

IIRC, The coupling between the ell and the manifold is threaded left hand on top (the part that goes into the ell) and right on bottom (the part that screws into the manifold)

mz4wheeler · Jul 8, 2016

HMT2 said:
Yes sir take the manifold off, it's the easiest way to go, and you will need a good vice and big ol pipe wrench to get the elbow loose. My yanmar dealer let me use his. All of the guys were out, but the lady that was working the counter led me to their workbench and said have at it!

Oh, one more detail. The yanmar parts guys said to bring it in every couple of years and THEY will clean it for FREE. Not a bad deal. So, regarding whether to go SS or OEM, I'd go OEM.

Ken13559 · Jul 25, 2016

Oh my...what a big spanner you have...

Ron20324 · Jul 26, 2016

[QUOTE="...]Oh my...what a big spanner you have...[/QUOTE]

Nice to have the young blood to help out the old man with that big wrench. Is there yet a bigger one? I once heard if it doesn't take two hands to hold it, it's not much good.

Hunter 31 · May 18, 2017

Ok, I am having issues with my motor. It will only run at an idol. when I try to give it more fuel it chokes out. I have been told it could be the mixing elbow clogged. When you guys replaced the elbow did the motor run better?

smokey73 · May 18, 2017

I called the guy who makes the ss elbows on eBay about replacing mine on my 1994 yanmar 4jhe? and they don't make a ss for my model. It seems mine is bronze rather than cast steel. I scraped a little of the paint off and sure enough it's bronze (also non magnetic). He says they're as good as the ss so he doesn't make a replacement and doesn't plan to. That doesn't answer the clogging question though. I always run at least a few minutes at full wot before I cool it down before shutdown and always try to run at 75% when cruising. I don't see any evidence of restrictions.
Any thoughts or other experience?

HMT2 · May 18, 2017

Yes it did. It is possible yours is so clogged it is choking out. I would also check the air vent to your fuel tank. If that is clogged up with gunk, mud daubers or spiders that could cause a similar issue. I had to clean mine out when I was having a similar issue. I assume you have changed out your primary and secondary filters?

Justin_NSA · May 18, 2017

I replaced mine just last month with SS. Got a giant crescent wrench and pipe wrench at Harbor freight. I'll never use these again.
My old elbow had some carbon but no evidence of corrosion. I don't think she has ever seen salt water though.
If anyone wants my old cast iron part, it's yours for the price of shipping.