T&T: Onan MDJE Generator

[Don Beadle/Joann Buell]

Our 30 year old Onan 8kw generator with 400 total hours has a cracked 
exhaust elbow.  A check for a replacement part found them priced at 
over $300.  My question is what would be wrong with replacing the 
elbow with a regular bronze elbow and installing a running tee below 
the elbow to allow entry of the heat exchanger discharged raw water. 
I do not think it is any more likely  that water could enter the 
exhaust manifold with this system than it would with the regular 
exhaust elbow.  Any thoughts, please??  Also, I have no 12 vts. on the 
fuel solenoid when trying to start the unit.  The wiring is as 
inaccessible as everything else on the generator..Any thoughts there? 
Thanks as usual.

Don Beadle, Misbehave, 38' Gulfstar Motorcruiser