...no doubt lead to part of the problem... plus the elbow is made of cast iron... and instantly started to acquire rust.

Another issue is the tight bend radii between the elbow/riser and the waterlift muffler. I will have to contend with that again at some future date.

The only solution I saw for that was to move the waterlift muffler further aft about 6-8 inches. But that requires a new small platform be built and added to the inside of the engine compartment. Something I may tackle down the road, especially now that I am so darned familiar with the whole issue.

I tell you though... right now the whole thing just purrs... and I am not terribly inclined to spend too much more time tightly braced in a small engine compartment with my head upside down trying to figure this stuff out.

I'd rather be sailing. If this lasts 10 years... I'll be happy. This repair did reduce the diesel smell in the cabin after a good motor run... and as I said, the engine became quieter and smoother.

Next job... seasonal varnishing (again). Oh, and sailing. Yeah and I do have to eventually install an electric bilge pump... I found a good route to run the output line. (amazing what you can find upside down in the engine compartment...

But first... some sailing. Did I mention that... sailing?