M25XP Heat Exchanger is trying to escape!

Sep 24, 2018
4,495
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
I found one of the brackets on my 3" (new style) heat exchanger was no longer supporting it. It looks like they were welded together at one point. The other bracket is still attached. I assume short term solution is to hold it to the loose bracket with a zip tie or hose clamp and long term solution is to make a new mounting bracket and relocate it? Does anyone know what kind of temps the outside of the exchanger reaches?
 
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Likes: jssailem
Jan 11, 2014
14,009
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
It should only reach the operating temperature of the engine, around 160° to 180° F. I believe zip ties are nylon which melts at 428° F.
 

Ward H

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Nov 7, 2011
3,832
Catalina 30 Mk II Cedar Creek, Bayville NJ
The heat exchanger on my M25XP is held to the brackets with T-Bolt hose clamps. The original brazing did not hold up to the vibrations.
 
Sep 24, 2018
4,495
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
Is there any way to safely remove it from the last bracket? It appears that the brazing is under the bracket, In other words, it can't be seen or ground away. I will definitely do something to secure it before my 5.5 hour delivery next weekend. After that I'll find a more permanent solution. I'll likely mount it to the ceiling of the engine compartment
It should only reach the operating temperature of the engine, around 160° to 180° F. I believe zip ties are nylon which melts at 428° F.
160-180F makes sense. 428F explains why I have a permanent scar after a zip tie melted on to my skin many years ago!
The heat exchanger on my M25XP is held to the brackets with T-Bolt hose clamps. The original brazing did not hold up to the vibrations.
Did you modify the brackets to accommodate the clamps?
 
Mar 6, 2008
1,496
Catalina 1999 C36 MKII #1787 Coyote Point Marina, CA.
Both of my brackets were broken off. I removed the heat exchanger and took a 1 inch strip of iron and bolted the two brackets to it at the same distance apart as the engine mounting bolts. I took them to a radiator shop to have them attach them again. Then I wrapped the heat exchanger in 1/4" rubber sheet and installed back on the engine. That was over 10 years ago.