Closed Cooling Engine- Pros?? Cons??

[jason78]

I am looking at an 05 280DA that is equipped with twin 5.0MPI Engines that have closed cooling. I know what the difference is but can anyone give advice as to any Pros/Cons? Do you have to change the impeller as much, is there any extra maintenance with the heat exchangers, etc. Thanks for all the help! Jason

 

[Hampton]

Many Pros. Very few cons - can't think of any.

Same on the impeller - it moves raw water through the heat exchangers. There are heat exchangers, but in lake water, they probably last for quite a very long time. The good part is that you have coolant in your engine block instead of raw water. It's treated to cut down on corrosion. I cannot think of any time when closed cooling would be considered less desirable, unless of course, you're racing and weight is an issue.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

The only downside is the cost of replacing a heat exchanger (approx $800) if they don't get properly winterized.:smt013

 

[ShamuToo]

No one mentioned that clossed cooling also keeps the engine operating temp much mor consistant than open cooling. this allow fuel injected engine to be run at a higher temp (160 vs 140) which aids in combustion and tweeks out a little more power and efficiency.

 

[gerryb]

Closed Cooling should be the default system for any marine engine set-up. Period. Amazing that so many manufacturers of all kinds of marine engines still use raw water instead of heat exchanger and stable antifreeze. My boat doesn't have it but my next one will for sure.

The only downside I can think of to closed is that there is more equipment involved.

 

[Walz]

My present boat and past one had closed cooling and I would not have it any other way! Biggest advantage is winterizing which is much easier. Some CC systems also include the manifold and riser jackets which cuts down on potential failure of these components.

 

[Dave S]

There are two minor downsides to closed cooling as I see it. The first is you have to change the coolant periodically. The second is you now have heat exchangers (a component not necessary on sea water cooled motors)that also circulate fresh water to cool the antifreeze circulating in a closed cooling sytem. Those heat exchangers are subject to failure thru corrosion just like manifolds risers and elbows are.

In a fresh water lake there is no advantage (in my opinion) to having closed cooling. On the other hand, if you boat in salt water the preferred set-up is closed cooling to keep the salt water out of the engine itself.

If the boat has closed cooling I would look at that as a plus if for no other reason than to broaden potential customers for re-sale later on. Just be aware of the possibility for a slight bit more in maintenance costs periodically.

Dave

 

[jason78]

Thanks for the comments everyone!