We have an 89 Catalina 30 with the 25XP engine. The heat exchanger is turing green around the end caps. Even with this happening, the engine maintains the proper operating temperature. I would like to prevent possible future problems. As preventive maintance, can the exchanger be disconnected and cleaned out or do they need to be replaced ? Or should I do nothing at this time ? Thanks Chris
Cleaning v. Replacing Heat Exchanger
- Thread starter cmorin
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Yes...
You most likely have a 3 inch HX. They are relatively easy to remove and clean. You can replace the end caps and gaskets from a company called SenDure (1-800-548-6252). Just make sure to keep changing your zincs on a regular basis. Or you can buy a new one. Some have removed them, cleaned up the tarnished area and repainted. Only YOU can make the decision to do nothing, which on a boat is probably NOT the right way to go. Otherwise, you're headin' in the right direction.
You most likely have a 3 inch HX. They are relatively easy to remove and clean. You can replace the end caps and gaskets from a company called SenDure (1-800-548-6252). Just make sure to keep changing your zincs on a regular basis. Or you can buy a new one. Some have removed them, cleaned up the tarnished area and repainted. Only YOU can make the decision to do nothing, which on a boat is probably NOT the right way to go. Otherwise, you're headin' in the right direction.
Heat Exchanger
Green end caps aren't a big deal. What you do want to do is periodically take the end caps off and clean the inside of the exchanger, say every couple years or so, to clean out any sediment within. Replace the gaskets when you reinstall the end caps, gaskets are cheap like a buck (like from Lenco, link below). The bolt in the center of the cap also has a washer on it on the inside of the cap that can be replaced at the same time if necessary. I use a wet-dry shop vac to clean out my exchanger. Run a small dowel through each hole in the exchanger to ensure that nothing is plugged up within, while you hold the vacuum on the downstream side. The vacuum will also suck out any loose zinc bits within the exchanger.
Green end caps aren't a big deal. What you do want to do is periodically take the end caps off and clean the inside of the exchanger, say every couple years or so, to clean out any sediment within. Replace the gaskets when you reinstall the end caps, gaskets are cheap like a buck (like from Lenco, link below). The bolt in the center of the cap also has a washer on it on the inside of the cap that can be replaced at the same time if necessary. I use a wet-dry shop vac to clean out my exchanger. Run a small dowel through each hole in the exchanger to ensure that nothing is plugged up within, while you hold the vacuum on the downstream side. The vacuum will also suck out any loose zinc bits within the exchanger.
Heat Exchanger
For what is is worth I am a true believer of PM of all systems. Last year I removed the antifreeze, and replaced with fresh as well as a new thermostat,I replaced all hoses, removed the Heat Exchanger and brought it to a Radiator Shop and for $20.00 had it boiled out and pressure tested. I then used Zinc Chromate primer and Universal engine paint. I also replaced the End Caps, Bolts and Gaskets, as well as the zinc. I re-secured with new Clamps. The only major expense were the hoses, but worth the piece of mind. When I decided to do all of this like you I was running at 160 degrees, a perfect temperature for this engine, and my engine is also an 89 M25XP.
For what is is worth I am a true believer of PM of all systems. Last year I removed the antifreeze, and replaced with fresh as well as a new thermostat,I replaced all hoses, removed the Heat Exchanger and brought it to a Radiator Shop and for $20.00 had it boiled out and pressure tested. I then used Zinc Chromate primer and Universal engine paint. I also replaced the End Caps, Bolts and Gaskets, as well as the zinc. I re-secured with new Clamps. The only major expense were the hoses, but worth the piece of mind. When I decided to do all of this like you I was running at 160 degrees, a perfect temperature for this engine, and my engine is also an 89 M25XP.
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