adding fresh water cooling

[Westie]

I have just recently bought a 1994 230DA with a mercruiser 5.0 liter engine. So far it has only been used in fresh water and only has 320 hours on it.
Our plan is to use it this coming summer for a trip in the straits of Georgia for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. It will be in the water the whole time so no opportunity to flush it out each day. In the following years it will be used in a combination of fresh and salt water.

I am thinking about adding freshwater closed system cooling to the engine. Looking on line I have found a number of different makes of fresh water cooling kits the most common being Monitor, San Juan, and Seakamp. Mercruiser also makes one but it is twice the price of the others.

Does any one have any experience with adding fresh water cooling to this engine and any recommendations as to who makes the best system?

Also any comments if a full or half system is better.

Thanks.

 

[mrsrobinson]

We added San Juan full system fresh water cooling kids at the time the Jasper remans were installed. 200+ hours, 3 seasons, no issues and I would do it again. I went with full for peace of mind during the winter and hopefully extending the life of the manifolds.

 

[Dirtguy]

I added FWC to my BBc when installing a new engine. To do it right takes dedication. I found original Merc parts everywhere. Ebay, Craigslist, local word of mouth, everywhere.
I assembled the right components and made the rest myself out of stainless for a fraction of what either a kit or new would have. If you're mechanically adept , or cheap as in my case, you can and should go the full system. Not for peace of mind, but for common sense and good sound logic.

Perfprotech.com has good prices on kits. Many vendors do. And you can get stainless risers so you 'll never have to worry about it again.

On the pumps, I'd go with a crank mounted Volvo pump and a through hull with a sea cock and strainer system. For "peace of mind."

dg

 

[tginz]

Westie:

I would HIGHLY recommend the Montior system. They are terrific to work with. I did my 5.0 Merc Bravo III last winter. I simply could be be happier. The cooling is unbelieveable. I have a in-line flush unit on my intake line from the outdrive to the water pump on the motor. I have hooked the freshwater line up a faucet in the my shop and run hot/cold water through the Montior system, simulating 100+ degree water intake. My temp never spiked and only jump 2 degrees off of normal. In the water in an 82 degree CT River & @ WOT, it does not move off 160 on my digital Smartcraft.

I can't say enough about Monitor's good customer service, delivering exactly as advertised, and the rest.!!!!!!!!!

By the way, I STILL flush the system everytime I use it with saltaway and freshwater to remove the salt from the "salty" side of the freshwater cooling.

You will not be disappointed with a switch to FWC. If you would like some pictures, just drop me a private mesage.

tginz

 

[chollyjohn]

Take a look at PPT Marine. They have full and half systems and the exchangers are larger. Price? I believe you pay for what you get.