Question about Beta Install

Mar 6, 2012
53
Probably a waste of electrons writing such a simple question, but why not?

I installed my Beta a couple years ago. I followed Steve's routine and also
the Beta Marine book. In the book it says to just let the overflow from the
coolant system just drain into the bilge. But I was looking at a different
boat and they had a coolant reservoir hooked up to the overflow tube (much
as is seen in a car). Not a big deal to install one and I haven't had any
problems the way I did it. But I am in the process of putting in a larger
fuel tank so I am messing about with the engine and have been wondering if I
should add this or not. They are about the cheapest thing one can install on
a boat -- so I am pretty much saying to myself, why not, can't hurt? Or is
it fine the way it is?

Chris[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
 
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
My Yanmar has the reservoir. It's nice to keep coolant (antifreeze) contained, as sometimes I sample my bilge water to see if it's fresh or salt!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
Oct 30, 2019
80
Dear Chris,

I have a Beta and I installed a coolant reservoir in the port cockpit locker.

Frank DeBaggis
Vega 2141, Carpe Diem
 
Feb 13, 2010
528
Why not just put less coolant in the engine? When the engine is cool it
doesn't need coolant but as it heats up and the coolant expands the
engine will be full but will not overflow. Doug
 
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
The coolant reservoir is also an expansion tank. The engine always stays full, and expells or draws coolant to/from the tank to stay full,preventing air getting into the system and causing circulation problems. I think it's a good idea to have one.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'