I had planned to clean the heat exchanger on my BV-1505 recently, engine has 135 hours, and discovered the high rise exhaust elbow sits right in front of the exchanger.
How can I remove the heat exchanger tube with a minimum of disruption to the exhaust system?
If you have the high rise exhaust elbow, this must be removed to get the tube stack out. The other alternative is to remove the alternator but that is much more involved. If you have the standard exhaust elbow, there is only the water hose to remove.
I think I have this situation as well. Stanley you suggested that I should do this on my engine (clean the heat exchanger), but removing the exhaust elbow looks rather involved as well. Perhaps I'm overly concerned? What is involved in doing that exactly?
The exhaust elbow is really very simple to remove and refit. There are only four bolts holding it on. Make sure that you fit a new gasket when you refit it.
If you have any doubts, I suggest that you get a competent marine mechanic to do this for you.