[C320-list] exhaust elbow question

[Bruce Heyman]

Rod,
When working on hull 671 this summer in Florida I had to replace the cutlass
bearing.  It was not worn straight but at a diagonal.  This is usually and
an indication of the engine being out of alignment.  

The yard foreman that I developed a healthy respect for said that it was a
very common problem with Yanmars in Catalina's.  He says the problem is that
you can get the engine aligned statically (engine off) but when you get up
to full speed the torque is enough to throw it out of alignment.  The root
cause for this is the engine mounts are too soft.  

He said as a result of the problem Yanmar now makes two version of our
mounts, soft and firm.  I haven't looked into it yet (it's on the list) but
I was going to replace with the firm ones.  6 years seems kind of quick for
a cutlass bearing to wear out.

Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Rod Boer
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 4:42 PM
To: Allan Field; C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] exhaust elbow question

Allan,

I am also planning to replace the elbow this winter but I am also going to
replace the motor mounts.

Rod Boer
Odyssey, #688
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Allan Field" <Allan.Field at comcast.net>
To: "'C320-List'" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 6:18 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] exhaust elbow question


Koen - There are 2 concerns with the exhaust elbow.  The first is that it
clogs over time and will impact engine performance.  The second is that it
eventually gets pinhole leaks.  Both happened on my previous boat.  Trust me
when I say that you don't even want to think about the mess you will have if
the elbow gets a pinhole leak.  The engine compartment fills with black soot
that never completely goes away no matter how much you clean, clean, clean,
and clean some more.

I intend to replace my elbow prophylactically over the winter at about 500
hours, change the hose to the aqua lift muffler, add a hump hose at the
muffler, and pull the muffler, send it back to Catalina, and have a
duplicate muffler made to sit on a shelf until when I need it.  Again, you
don't even want to think about the mess if these parts fail.

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Columbia, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Koen Bennebroek
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 9:05 PM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] exhaust elbow question

I seem to remember someone mentioning that the exhaust elbows on C320's get
clogged and are recommended to be replaced every so often..
My local mechanic, who will do the very first service on our boat soon (so
we do not have experience either with him or with the engine
service in general), recommends we order the elbow and gasket from Perkins
(I believe tadiesel sells them?) in advance to save time.

Is this a good suggestion? We have purchased the boat used 2 seasons ago, so
I have no idea what the history of this part is.

Thanks for any suggestions,

-Koen