Mixing Elbow Failure

[Mike Maksimchuk]

Hello everyone: 

I wanted to share a recent event that happened on our 355, hull #94, "Amadeus".  Some of you may recognize the name of the boat - we inherited it from my father-in-law, Dave Worfel, after he passed away in August of 2021.  

My wife, three-year-old, and myself were starting to cross Lake Michigan (66 miles across).  We were about 22 miles offshore when we heard a loud "thud" and the RPM's on the engine dropped by about 1,000.  We quickly opened up the hatch to go down below to find a billowing cloud coming up from the cabin, which was filled.    We did a cursory inspection to determine that nothing was on fire, and then starting sailing home.  It was 6 foot waves and 25 knot winds - and we had to tack back and forth, since "home" was directly into the wind.  Luckily, some friends came out and helped tow us in.  Our trip across the lake is normally about 8-9 hours.  We were on the water for 15 hours from leaving the slip until tied back up. Our son was a trooper and did his best to help. 

After getting towed in and tied up, we tore open the hatches and access panels in the woodwork around the engine (aft cabin and under the steps).  We determined that it was a faulty mixing elbow on the engine - the nipple that attaches this elbow to the engine had sheared right off!   Attached are pictures of the problem.  After talking with people on the dock, several people have had this happen to them on different boats.  I would recommend taking a good look at yours - especially those of you who sail in salt water - and make sure that yours isn't corroding! 

[bill pittore]

Hi Mike,

 That certainly sounds like stressful day on the water. FYI, I recently changed out my elbow with a stainless one from HDIMarine.  https://hdimarine.net/product/gm-stainless-steel-mixing-elbow/

Bill

<Screen Shot 2022-08-16 at 10.05.30 PM.png>

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[cata...@thehares.com]

Mike,

 

Roughly how many hours are on your engine?

 

-Jeff

[Allan Spousta]

When you put the new union in (left-right thread). Did you put in dry or with a sealant?

Thanks 

Allan

[bill pittore]

In my case I used Liqui Moly LM 508  anti-seize compound on the threads. 

Bill

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[Mike Maksimchuk]

I have heard numerous people mention that this part has broken on their boats. Further, our diesel mechanic said that Yanmar recommends replacement every 2-3 years if in saltwater due to corrosion issues. 

Also - our mechanic compared the old parts and the new ones. The new ones are about 50% thicker. He suspects that there may be a run of bad/thin parts. We are hill #94. If you are anywhere around there and haven’t changed yours, it may be worthwhile to inspect, if not replace. 

Not trying to scare anyone. Just trying to save headaches down the road. 

Mike 

On Aug 19, 2022, at 21:00, bill pittore <bill.p...@gmail.com> wrote:

In my case I used Liqui Moly LM 508  anti-seize compound on the threads. 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/catalina355/9233F5F8-64B4-4756-8F24-714995AEAF17%40gmail.com.

[Jon Vez]

I would use Real Tuff or permatex. Real Tuff is available at any Big Box store and the heat rating is excellent for this…

The elbow is considered a’consumable’ and should be changed periodically especially in salt water…

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 19, 2022, at 8:49 PM, Allan Spousta <ajsp...@gmail.com> wrote:

When you put the new union in (left-right thread). Did you put in dry or with a sealant?