Heat Exchanger problems

[Bay_sailor]

Hello all, new to the Catalina group. I have a heat exchanger on a M25XP that may have a possible internal leak. What would be the symptoms if it were leaking internally? My engine temp has been a pretty consistant 170 180 deg. I have ordered parts through Keller Bros. Tractor in PA. but this may obviously be an expensive fix.
Thanks in advance for any advice on this

 

[DanM]

If your HE were internally leaking I believe you would be losing engine coolant. I'm speculating that the anti-freeze side of the system is under higher pressure than the sea water side so the anti-freeze would drain from the system. Just speculation though, perhaps your anti-freeze would over flow from sea water entering the system?

My Universal M18 with the 2" HE runs at 165 degrees all the time, but I find that it builds up internal scale from sea water and I have to boil it out about every five years or so to keep it in proper operation. Also very important to change your zinc frequently. I change mine about every 90 days so that they never break off and plug the passages in the HE. This is less of a problem with the 3" HE from what I understand.

Hope that helps some, Dan.