Heat Exchanger Maintenance

[Georgia SeaDawg]

What should I do to perform maintenance on my heat exchangers? It looks like I may have a small leak from the end cap of my port heat exchanger. Possibly from a leaking gasket on the end cap? There has never been any accumulation of fluid in the ER that I can see, and my AF levels are good. I also noticed that I am getting some steam out of my exhaust while running the boat. I did change the impellers and am working on changing the manifolds in the next week or so. Also my temps have always been within an acceptable range, 159-161F. Any recommendations?

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Chris,

The end caps hold in the cooling water, not the antifreeze side of things.
I suggest torque the end cap bolt slightly and see if it still leaks..

You could remove the end caps and replace the rubber gaskets and there might be a gummy washer or o-ring under the cap around the bolt.

I put a little "perfect seal" on the end of the heat exchanger and around the bolt hole before installing the gasket and end cap. Not much because, you don't want any excess finding its way into the cooling tubes!

And, if its opened up you could ensure all the cooling tubes in there are free of any crud by flushing with water from the hose.
I'm going to assume your in fresh water and salt build up isn't a problem.
You also say its not running hot so, should be ok inside and can skip the mess of trying to flush while trying to not get everything else all wet in the ER.
Some steam out the exhaust in normal on most boats.

 

[Georgia SeaDawg]

I am in salt.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Sorry missed your on the coast.

Salt water, you may want to remove the exchanger and rinse (or soak) it in a weak acid solution, like Barnacle Buster or Rydlyme. Its possible to do this without removing the cooler by making a bucket pump closed loop system that will circulate the fluid.

This a whole other discussion.....back on topic!
Your running at the correct temp so, If necessary change the end cap gaskets and be done with it.

 

[northern]

I take mine off every 3 years and take them to a rad shop to get cleaned and cheched for leaks. Either 100 or 200 each. Same with risers. billfor all including generator heat exchanger is 700.

 

[Georgia SeaDawg]

I ordered the gaskets and o-rings. Will give them a look when I replace them. Thanks!!!