RE: [AlbinVega] Engine cooling

[lastgaspid]

Members please help a fresh water sailor adapt to salt water.
I'm relocating to the left coast of the US and am going from fresh water to salt water. Have a MD7A on V#3233. I have heard through this group that some engines corrode on the interior if they are cooled with salt water. I have also heard from this group that a secondary cooling system is a must. What is it and why wouldn't a stock Vega be equipped with one if it was designed for the North Sea. Any help would be appreciated.

Dave
LASTGASP
V3233

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Dave

If you have had your Vega in fresh water for the last 25 years then certainly
no need to worry. I expect the MD7A will die well before the cooling channels
corrode through. Most Vegas still have their original engines, certainly the
MD6A & MD7A, so do not worry too much. Have fun with your sailing in sunny
Florida.

There is a cooling kit available from various outlets to make the MD7A
freshwater cooled but I personally think you will be throwing money away. I am
sure many will agree, perhaps some wont!

I changed my MD6A three years ago but the old engine has been fitted into
another Vega and is still going strong. It has been salt water cooled for the
last thirty years.

Kind RegardsSteve Birch Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

At 16:52 22/01/03 -0800, you wrote:

 

[colinpspiers]

Hi Dave

Ditto Steve. My MD6A has done 30 years with salt water cooling and no
problems (touch wood).Regards Colin

 

[chris20636]

Dave:

I follow Steve and Colin. I now have V1868 {Vesper, 1973 vintage}, with
original MD6A, with raw-water cooling. I agree that for you to add fresh
water cooling at this late time would probably be a waste.

Before V1868, I had V321 {Lorelei, 1968 vintage} with an Atomic-4, also
raw-water cooled. When the boat was 20 years old, I had to replace the
exhaust manifold due to rust problems. Even with that, much cheaper than the
heat exchanger, etc.

You didn't say anything about just where you were heading. If it is cold,
learn how to lay her up for cold-weather storage for the winter.

Good Luck.............Ed

 

[lastgaspid]

Sayler Ed, probably the southern coast of Oregon, just north of the California border.I would be leaving the cold winters of the northern rocky mountains where I lay up once every 5th year.

Dave
The Lastgasp
V 3233

 

[pelagicasd]

Dave, Are you planning on keeping the boat in Brookings? (Most southern port
on the Oregon coast.) From what we are told the bar can be a bit nasty and
the the entrance is kind of narrow. Crescent City, CA is a port of refuge 30
miles further south. It's where Lyric's new homeport will be if we ever
manage to get her back from La Paz. We love the area and recently moved up
from San Diego. Walt and Judy, Lyric #120

 

[lastgaspid]

Jim Elder, I will reply and discuss the Oregon cosst with you when I return to
Couer d'Alene as I'm now in Monterey for the ATT golf tournament. Will return
@/14 and am very interested in all you co=an tell me about Brookings and points
No, to COos Bay . Sincerely Dave V3233Quoting "elder47 elder47@..."
elder47@...: