Mixing Elbow

[sweetwater]

OK, here is a question for the mechanically minded here. I have been told the life expectancy of our mixing elbows (315 Yanmar) is 5 to 7 years. Mine is an 05 and is original. I contacted someone to fabricate a stainless one for me and when I removed mine....It looks to be either stainless or aluminum and in great shape... Anyone with info on this subject?

[gerber30]

I just had mine replaced on my 2005 Yanmar. Still looked pretty good, I believe it is Cast Stainless. But remember it will still corrode with enough heat and salt. If it fails Saltwater can easily enter the engine through the Turbo and then it gets expensive. The Yanmar part is about 660.00. I went ahead and changed it. Very easy to do. Good Luck.

[sweetwater]

OK, thats what it looks like. I suppose I will change it out anyway, since it is now sitting on my kitchen table. I'm a little suprised how little pitch is in the elbow/exhaust hose. Suprised water doesnt drain back in. Thanks for your help..

[RobS]

Stainless would not be an OEM Yanmar product to my knowledge, Cummins yes.

This is the 6LP OEM mixing elbow:

6LP Mixing Elbow 1.jpg

Here's mine which I believe was original (9 years):

DSCN9960.JPG

DSCN9957.JPG

[Alan_Douville]

Hmmm, mine is a 2006 and she has only seen Fresh Water here in Lake Michigan, you think I need to change it out as well, or would the lack of salt prolong the lifespan?

[RobS]

I would have to think the freshwater would extent it's lifespan. As long as it does not look like this you should be fine

not mine!.jpg

When replacing (or re-installing) the mixing elbow be sure to also replace the v-clamp that connects the elbow to the exhaust bend and the crush gasket too.

[Alan_Douville]

Thanks Rob, I will go look at. Where does one buy a 6LP Mixing Elbow these days? Anybody have a link?

Thanks

[RobS]

I kept watch on eBay and one finally popped up. Guys sometimes need to get one custom fabricated for certain installations and then have no need for the OEM one.

A good source for Yanmar parts is Bayshore Marine, they are listed on this page: viewforum.php?f=55

In a prior post on this same subject, Jay also mentions this fabricator who I would be calling before ordering the "disposable" $650 one from Yanmar again: Marine Manifold Corp in Farmingdale, NY. 631-694-0714 speak with Paul. I have my old one and can drop it off to him if he needs it for a model.

[efishnsea]

Hi Rob How many hours would be realistic before replacement of this elbow? I also have a 2005 but only 250 hours.

[RobS]

Hi Rob How many hours would be realistic before replacement of this elbow? I also have a 2005 but only 250 hours.

I have no way of knowing. Plus there are several factors that could effect it's service life, mostly the salinity of the water. I would be more concerned with time (age) than running hours. Once it gets hit with salt water once, the corrosion begins. IMO, Engine hours would not be a factor because the elbow corrodes, it does not wear out. Unless the exposure to the exhaust heat contributes to the failure of the metal, don't know..

Here is the 6LP Operation Manual on Period Inspections - 500 hours or 2 Years. Also attached is the page from the parts book.

[sweetwater]

I am having mine made at Marine Manifolds in Farmingdale Long Island. He is making it out of stainless, putting the water inlet further down the elbow and making the elbow itself 5 inches longer. If it does fail or corrode, water will not be able to get into the Turbo. Seems like a worthwhile improvement.

[jleonard]

I am having mine made at Marine Manifolds in Farmingdale Long Island. He is making it out of stainless, putting the water inlet further down the elbow and making the elbow itself 5 inches longer. If it does fail or corrode, water will not be able to get into the Turbo. Seems like a worthwhile improvement.

Yes that is the proper design for a marine wet elbow. It should ALWAYS self drain and the riser should use ALL available height in the engine compartment to prevent water from backing into the engine.
And Paul does nice work. I had one made by him several years ago.

[RobS]

Excellent, glad I referenced the old post when I replied to this one. Please post some good pictures before you install it.

[jumpjet231]

I had mine inspected two years ago and the guy said it looked almost new. This boat is an '04 and has been in RI and the Chesapeake it's whole life. FWIW..

[sweetwater]

I should be getting the mixer back this Tuesday. I will try to poet a picture or two. Here is another concern.... Should I be replacing the exhaust elbow also? It does not have raw water running through it so I did not think that was a part to replace periodically?