[C320-list] mixing elbow / aqua lift muffler replacement project

[Pat Ireland]

All - I just changed the U Mixing Elbow on our 2001 C320.  I was able to
remove the old U without taking it home to the vice.  YMMV  I used a large
pipe wrench to rotate the U counterclockwise, which tightens it.  I then
moved it back to the original orientation and the U was then loose.  I
removed the riser by turning out the 4 bolts that hold it in place.  With
the assembly removed, and the U Elbow loose I was able to turn off the U
from the pipe thread connector.  Then I cleaned it and installed the new U
part on the old pipethread connector.  If I needed to replace that pipe
thread connector, it would have been necessary to take the assembly home
and use a vice.  It was very tight and would not budge.

What I found was some minor clogging of the inlet elbow that feeds the
spent cooling water into the U mising Elbow.  So you might be able to clean
the assembly and return it to service for a while.  My approach was to do
it once and enjoy reliability for another 5-10yr.

Needed an exhaust riser elbow gasket, some high temp pipe sealant, about 2
ft of 2" exhaust hose and some new hose clamps to complete the replacement.

My only concern is the reliability of the muffler.  Wish I had seen the
hump hose suggestion prior to making the repair.

Issues with finding parts - the U mixing elbow and the riser exhaust gasket
did not come up on the list under 3GM30F-YEU.  Needed a picture of the U
and the old gasket to ID the required parts.  See attached picture.

Pat - Cherie, 801