'F' exhaust pipe re-install advise

[UNIQUE_NAME]

getting ready to re-install the exhaust after replacing the shaftlog hose.
the couple of times ive had it off over the years, its been a nightmare to re-install.
the setup is this:
each riser has a short hump hose that connects to an copper 'F' pipe.
the 'F' pipe has a short hose connecting to a copper 90 elbow.
the 90 elbow then has a short hose connection to the muffler.

i mention short in the hose length because it gives no maneuverability to the joint.

if i start at the risers and install piece by piece, there is no way to fit the 90 elbow into both hose ends.
if i start at the 90 elbow and go the other way, connecting the hump hoses to the risers present a similar problem.
doing it this way i seem to remember wrestling with the hump hose connections and winning the war after losing many battles.

i also have notes from the last time where i put the whole magilla together, 90 elbow up to and including the risers.
put it in place, put the 90 elbow in. then tried to line up the risers so i could run some bolts in.
there were less battles this way but trying not to FU the riser gasket and permatex(which happened) while wrestling the magilla into place
was lunacy.

im prepared to do battle again but if the braintrust has some tips or tricks im all ears.
its a 427 gasser

thanks

 

[drburke]

Jim, a cautionary note.

On my 34' with changed gas engines, the previous mechanic faced the same problem and decided to reverse the F joint inputs, routing the short length to the far connector, and placing a long loop underneath from inboard riser to close F input.

DON'T DO THIS. It caused water to pool in the loop which eventually would slosh forward into the exhaust riser when coming off plane if the throttles were abruptly closed (no back pressure).

This water can backflow past the exhaust valves and hydrolock a cylinder and puncture a combustion chamber (I had both happen).

It ruined several engines before being diagnosed.

I know this does not answer your question, but it's a shortcut to avoid

DAN