VP 2002 Exhaust Elbow

[MJWB]

Noticed some sooty deposits on the hull around the exhaust outlet and I'm wondering about the interior condition of the exhaust elbow and pipe too. I've no idea of the history of the one fitted though externally it looks okay. Appreciate it's what's inside that matters. So I'm wondering:
1. the how long is a bit of string question to some degree I suspect but how long can one reasonably expect the elbow to remain servicable before a change is sensible.
2. I'm a serious novice on engines but like to have a go and don't like paying if I can avoid it. Is changing the elbow a novice level job with hand tools?
3. What are the pitfalls I should look for in doing it myself?
4. What could be the other causes of the sooty deposits please?
Very many thanks for all advice.
MB

 

[garymalmgren]

1. the how long is a bit of string question to some degree I suspect but how long can one reasonably expect the elbow to remain servicable before a change is sensible.
At the price of these things, I would hang on until it is dead. But that is me.
The life span is really variable, with some people getting more than 20 years and others not so.
How old is yours now?

2. I'm a serious novice on engines but like to have a go and don't like paying if I can avoid it. Is changing the elbow a novice level job with hand tools? 3. What are the pitfalls I should look for in doing it myself?
Yes, it is simply a job of removing and replacing.
Problems occur with exhaust hose rusted onto the elbow. In the worst case the hose needs to be cut (a foot or so?) and replaced with a new section of hose and a joint fitting. Not expensive or difficult an sometimes the fastest and easiest way.
Accessibility is also a factor.

4. What could be the other causes of the sooty deposits please?
Is this situation new?
Some simple causes are:
Running the engine while the boat is stationary.
Motoring with the wind up your bum.
A smoky engine. (Is she burning oil?)
Some engines are naturally smokey at low revs.

 

[Stemar]

A bit of smoke from a 2000 series engine is to be expected when cold, but should go once it warms up, but the sooty deposits on the transom were a constant on the one I had. They do benefit from a run at full throttle once in a while to blow the cobwebs out if they aren't worked hard normally.

 

[Shinglebeach]

Check the valve clearances

 

[NormanS]

It shouldn't be difficult to get the elbow off and have a look at its innards. Scrape out as necessary.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

It shouldn't be difficult to get the elbow off and have a look at its innards. Scrape out as necessary.

I think that's a good idea. Depends I suppose on your list of jobs this winter.

You will probably be surprised to find lots of coking and how small the channels have become due to this. If it hasn't partly collapsed, you could clean this all up.

 

[MJWB]

1. the how long is a bit of string question to some degree I suspect but how long can one reasonably expect the elbow to remain servicable before a change is sensible.
At the price of these things, I would hang on until it is dead. But that is me.
The life span is really variable, with some people getting more than 20 years and others not so.
How old is yours now?

2. I'm a serious novice on engines but like to have a go and don't like paying if I can avoid it. Is changing the elbow a novice level job with hand tools? 3. What are the pitfalls I should look for in doing it myself?
Yes, it is simply a job of removing and replacing.
Problems occur with exhaust hose rusted onto the elbow. In the worst case the hose needs to be cut (a foot or so?) and replaced with a new section of hose and a joint fitting. Not expensive or difficult an sometimes the fastest and easiest way.
Accessibility is also a factor.

4. What could be the other causes of the sooty deposits please?
Is this situation new?
Some simple causes are:
Running the engine while the boat is stationary.
Motoring with the wind up your bum.
A smoky engine. (Is she burning oil?)
Some engines are naturally smokey at low revs.

Tbh I don't know how old it is. Exterior sidez and top look good. Will check underside. Is it new? Reckon just this season gone. Exhaust port is low and in a following sea it does get a dunking at times which perhaps doesn't help. Many thanks for a comprehensive reply.

 

[MJWB]

Very many thanks all for your helpful replies. Gives me confidence.

 

[VicS]

Tbh I don't know how old it is. Exterior sidez and top look good. Will check underside. Is it new? Reckon just this season gone. Exhaust port is low and in a following sea it does get a dunking at times which perhaps doesn't help. Many thanks for a comprehensive reply.

I hope your exhaust system includes a water trap and a swan neck before the outlet.

 

[Dantp]

You may already know this but you will need to buy a new exhaust elbow gasket to put the elbow back on. After market ones available and inexpensive.
You may also need a new seal for the water pipe that enters the back of the elbow.
I find it easier to get the exhaust tube off the elbow before removing it from the engine but it does depend on access.

 

[MJWB]

1. the how long is a bit of string question to some degree I suspect but how long can one reasonably expect the elbow to remain servicable before a change is sensible.
At the price of these things, I would hang on until it is dead. But that is me.
The life span is really variable, with some people getting more than 20 years and others not so.
How old is yours now?

2. I'm a serious novice on engines but like to have a go and don't like paying if I can avoid it. Is changing the elbow a novice level job with hand tools? 3. What are the pitfalls I should look for in doing it myself?
Yes, it is simply a job of removing and replacing.
Problems occur with exhaust hose rusted onto the elbow. In the worst case the hose needs to be cut (a foot or so?) and replaced with a new section of hose and a joint fitting. Not expensive or difficult an sometimes the fastest and easiest way.
Accessibility is also a factor.

4. What could be the other causes of the sooty deposits please?
Is this situation new?
Some simple causes are:
Running the engine while the boat is stationary.
Motoring with the wind up your bum.
A smoky engine. (Is she burning oil?)
Some engines are naturally smokey at low revs.

Enquiries now reveal it certainly hasn't been off in the last twelve years. Maybe a bit carboned up, maybe not I guess. Will have a good look around it and think about it I reckon.

 

[Stemar]

Mine (VP2003) hadn't been off for at least 15 years, and quite possibly for 30. It was pretty bunged up, but cleaned up fine, with a noticeable improvement in water from the exhaust.

 

[MJWB]

Mine (VP2003) hadn't been off for at least 15 years, and quite possibly for 30. It was pretty bunged up, but cleaned up fine, with a noticeable improvement in water from the exhaust.

Once having removed it,what's the best way to clean it up please?
Also when re-fitting with the gasket, clean the mating surfaces I'm sure but dies one apply any other coating?
Thanks.

 

[NormanS]

Once having removed it,what's the best way to clean it up please?
Also when re-fitting with the gasket, clean the mating surfaces I'm sure but dies one apply any other coating?
Thanks.

Primarily, you are wanting to remove any build-up of carbon. A knife or screwdriver are probably all that you need. I tend to smear all flanged joints, gaskets etc, with high temperature copper grease. I use it a lot on practically all threaded items as well. It makes subsequent removal so much easier.

 

[Stemar]

Once having removed it,what's the best way to clean it up please?
Also when re-fitting with the gasket, clean the mating surfaces I'm sure but dies one apply any other coating?
Thanks.

It was a few years ago, but I think it got a good soak in brick cleaner then I attacked it with a variety of abrasive spinning things, finishing with a good poke around the water inlet with a screwdriver.

IIRC, it got a new gasket, but no goop.