Bukh stainless steel exhaust elbow

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rex_seadog

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What initially looked like a small crack on the exhaust elbow of our Bukh DV20 turned out to be rather more extensive and a replacement is called for. I understand that this is a common problem with this engine and they generally have a service life of just a few years. I've heard of people replacing them with one fabricated from stainless steel and a Google search soon found a UK supplier offering them at a price less than the standard cast one. Does anyone have any experience of the stainless version and are there are disadvantages? At first sight it looks like a win win situation.
 
I made the same enquiry about a year ago, and was directed here, I think
http://www.cutlermarine.co.uk/

I had a useful e-mail exchange with John(?) Cutler who had fabricated a number of these to overcome the well known problem of the Bukh exhaust elbow corrosion.

He told me that it wasn't a solution and to stick with the original- there was technical stuff and if you do a search on the ybw.com fora you will find the thread.

The upshot was I didn't pursue the idea

edit:- Just remembered the thread developed the idea of using common plumbing iron fittings which would make a very cheap and also a very long lasting solution
 
I bought my present boat 3 years ago, it was (and is) fitted with a Bukh 20. I had a pre-purchase survey done and the surveyor said "That's good - he's fitted a stainless steel injector elbow in place of the Bukh one". He went on to say that the cast iron elbow was a known weakness - the only weakness - in the Bukh engines, which were otherwise faultless if "a bit agricultural". It turned out that the previous owner, a retired sheet metal worker, had fabricated the elbow himself. It's given me no trouble since.
 
I have a home knitted one in stainless, best move I ever made on the engine. I asked the guy who fabricated it for me how long it would last and he told me that it would out live the engine.
 
Bold statement about outlasting the engine. I would concede 'may die at the same time'. Exhaust elbow apart, the rest of the engine is astonishingly tough. I have re-built several (not a mechanic) and all that has ever really needed doing is de-carbonising of the head. The guys at Bukh UK are THE most patient and helpful people I have ever had contact with. Endlessly indulgent with the guy who should not really be doing his own engine, but is. I completely agree that the Bukh elbow is, however, rubbish and staggeringly expensive.
Buy a non-Bukh one.
Nicki
 
I have a note of the suggested plumbing fittings solution as follows: galvanised malleable fittings, 45 degree M/F elbow 156G 1.5" screwed into a square Tee 161G 1.5" by 0.5" and finally a 3" long 1.5" pipe joining piece threaded both ends. the water connections are also made up from 0.5" fitttings. Havn't tried it yet, but according to Geoff of the Seal Sailing Association, "lasts for ever". Did a quick sketch and looks very feasible.
 
Mine developed a crack this year and while I was having a new s.s. one made I used a two-part sealer (like putty but hardens when mixed) as a temporary fix. I now have the s.s. one waiting to be fitted but the fix is rock solid and no sign of failing after regular use for 8 months.
 
I made one out of standard malleable cast iron pipe fittings last year. It cost less than £30. You could carry some spares in case of trouble!

Neil
 
I have has two ss ones made, 1 for a volvo and one for a new Kubota. Absolutely trouble free, cheaper than the standard replacement item and, being made for me they actually suit my own installation.
 
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