How to clean stainless steel elbow

[GavDog]

Originally Posted by SOLAR SUPPORT

You must remove the heat exchanger copper tube bundle from the chamber it is in. If you leave it in vinegar for 12-16 hours, the calcium in the pipes will dissolve.

Sorry my bad. I don't mean that bit, I mean where there elbow connects too (not the exhaust pipe tubing but rather where it connects into the heat exchanger). That has a lot of carbon build up too and when I feel inside it feels like it may be clogged.

[Manateeman]

We think it would be a good investment to hire a very good diesel mechanic at this point. It’s too complicated to do online.
Mark

[skipperpete]

Originally Posted by Manateeman

We think it would be a good investment to hire a very good diesel mechanic at this point. It’s too complicated to do online.

Mark

I agree with the Manatees
The “pinhole in the injector pump” pretty much delineates the complexity. You need professional help.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by SOLAR SUPPORT

You must remove the heat exchanger copper tube bundle from the chamber it is in. If you leave it in vinegar for 12-16 hours, the calcium in the pipes will dissolve.

Ahh, no, exhaust gasses don't get to the tube bundle.

[Newf1]

Originally Posted by GavDog

Sorry my bad. I don't mean that bit, I mean where there elbow connects too (not the exhaust pipe tubing but rather where it connects into the heat exchanger). That has a lot of carbon build up too and when I feel inside it feels like it may be clogged.

If I understand this correctly you are referring to where it connects to the discharge side end cap on the heat exchanger. With the exhaust elbow off, I would certainly take off the end cap for a look inside. It's just 3 bolts. The cap is a snug fit because there is an o-ring in the cap.

If this is the location you are talking about, there should not be any carbon build-up in there but it could be a build-up of calcium from salt water seeping back past the o-ring in the cap. I had this happen on my 2014 D1-30 and the build-up actually corroded the casting at this location. Fortunately for me it did not corrode through the casting which would result in raw water going into the engine. There is a second o-ring at the casting and tube bundle. I was able to do a repair on the casting with Marine Tex I believe it was called. I attached a couple of photos just to give you an idea of what I had. Note that I have a bronze cast exhaust elbow on mine. I have 2680 hrs and have had the elbow off and tube bundle out twice in that time frame. Only minor soot build-up in the elbow, tube bundle was clean in the tubes with a little crud on the outside. I dunked both in a muriatic acid bath for a short time and then good fresh water flush.

If this has noting to do with the area in the post I quoted above, I apologize in advance. I have several photos of where I pulled and cleaned the elbow and tube bundle so if they are of any use to you just reply to me at marcelis@telus.net and I will send them to you.

Newf.

[GavDog]

OK so in the end the best seemed to be hydroclauric(muriatic) acid and also caustic soda. Cheers for the help everyone