Engine temperature creeping up when at cruising speed

[PSNI]

Hello all,

I've noticed the last few weeks my port engine temp has been creeping up when at 3400 RPMs. Normally it's steady around 160 degrees. 2 weeks ago it was 165 and this past weekend it got to 168. When I go back to idle speed it drops back to 160.

Impellers were changed last year. Water pressure gauge readings are the same of both engines. Sea strainer is clear.

Could this be a symptom of a clogged heat exchanger?

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Yes, it could. Or it could be several other things.
With any heating issue, it’s best to start at the water and work inward after checking the obvious coolant level.
Intake clear?
Thru-hull.
Hose.
Strainer.
Oil cooler.
Seawater pump.
Trans cooler.
Heat exchanger
Exhaust elbows
Hull exit.
Along with all hoses, fresh and raw for kinks or ?

The heat exchanger needs to be cleaned every so often.
I consider them a 10yr throwaway in saltwater.

 

[superwa]

Looks like you are in salt water, so have you replaced the manifolds in the past 3-5 years? if you haven't it could be a sign, and I would not run the boat again until you check them. It could be a huge issue if they really go.

 

[Juliery]

Hello all,

I've noticed the last few weeks my port engine temp has been creeping up when at 3400 RPMs. Normally it's steady around 160 degrees. 2 weeks ago it was 165 and this past weekend it got to 168. When I go back to idle speed it drops back to 160.

Impellers were changed last year. Water pressure gauge readings are the same of both engines. Sea strainer is clear.

Could this be a symptom of a clogged heat exchanger?

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

I experienced a similar symptom that culminated in a broken belt on the sea water pump. I have change it to a higher quality, industrial belt that will hopefully last much longer.