Cleaning Heat Exchangers

[Mike]

I posted this in another area but didn't get much feedback so I thought I would post here as well. I have noticed a slight rise in temp this year on my twin 454's, fresh water cooled. I have good water flow, good thermostats and good impellors. I was going to take on the task of cleaning my heat exchangers as I have never done it in the 3 years I've owned the boat and not sure if it has ever been done.

As anyone done this before, what cleaning solutions have you used and how would you rate the job on a scale of 1 to 10?

 

[Hampton]

Mike,

I'm not the expert, but as I understand it, you remove them and take them to a radiator cleaner. They can boil them in acid. Don't use this to make your decision, but it might help you begin to get an idea of how it's done.

 

[ImpulseIII]

I know a few people who have flushed the exchangers with Mary Kate "On and Off". Seems to have worked or at least did no harm. I seem to recall a thread from last year that dealt with this issue. Try a search.

 

[Nehalennia II]

I know a few people who have flushed the exchangers with Mary Kate "On and Off". Seems to have worked or at least did no harm. I seem to recall a thread from last year that dealt with this issue. Try a search.

Frank, you're the man! I just read up on what that stuff does. I have the area around my outdrive that seems to have rust stains. or at least a faded orange color. This stuff may get the area back on par with the rest of the hull. Thanks! :thumbsup: