Hello, Approaching 2000 hours on my Volvo engine 2003 BT last summer I noticed increasing engine temps. We removed the heat exchanger (Volvo part #858129)and found some internal corosion causing mixing of fresh and salt water..a really bad thing. We also found the stainless insert in the mixing elbow had pin holes so it and the elbow needed replacing.The mechanic didn't recommend a repair or used parts so I called my friendly Vovlo store and got the prices for replacement. The heat exchanger was $3,450, the insert was $360 and the elbow a mere $225. Once I was revived I called other sources and got the prices down 10-15%, still exorbitant. After a lot of checking I decided to have one made and did so at Orca Marine in Washington (Sen-dure in Ft Lauderdale turned out to be very unreliable). Dave at Orca heped design and redesign the new heat exchanger and made it for around $1,000. My mechanic made up a lot of my new found wealth as the plumbing was tricky but in all I have a new heat exchanger that bolted on and made to the same specs as the old one with a zinc and openable ends for cleanout.
I have now 30 hours on my Orca cooler and the engine runs cool.
IF I have a problem down the road I can service it myself or buy another one for a grand...this was an expensive overhaul of my cooling system but with 2000 hours on a 20 year old boat and engine..is reasonable in my opinion. Hope this helps anyone with overheating issues on a Volvo engine.
Al A
Punta Gorda, Fl
I have now 30 hours on my Orca cooler and the engine runs cool.
IF I have a problem down the road I can service it myself or buy another one for a grand...this was an expensive overhaul of my cooling system but with 2000 hours on a 20 year old boat and engine..is reasonable in my opinion. Hope this helps anyone with overheating issues on a Volvo engine.
Al A
Punta Gorda, Fl