Westerbeke 38 engine problem

[MikeB]

I have last fall purchased a new to me, 1994 Morgan Catalina 38 center cockpit, and we love it. It has a Westerbeke 38 engine and susposedly, we should be able to heat domestic hot water from the engine. I have tried everything I can think off to get this working, but no luck. Can anyone offer me any suggestions. Here is what I have done: Replaced the hoses running from the engine to the water heater; Removed the water heater and flushed heater and hot water coil (all fine); Replaced the valve and housing on the engine that deflects flow to hwh (with oem parts); Ensure antifreeze is always topped up; Bleed system numerous times; Note, engine does not run hot, but settles in a about 180 degrees and will run forever at that temp. I thought of the water pump, but the engine is not overheating. We get lots of hot hater when plugged in to 120vac.

This problem is driving me nuts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike B.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Have you checked for flow through the system?

The engine water flow should force the hot water through the system and return it back to the engine. Check the hoses for heat after the engine has run a while. The engine hose to the heater should be hot. The return hose to the engine should be quite warm after it exits the heater. This tells you if there is flow. If the return hose is cold then there is no flow through the system. If that is the case then you can remove the hoses and manually blow through through each leg of the system to check for blockage. If the system is free running (clear for through flow) then look at the front end of the system. Is the water pump pumping water through the engine or are the water pump impellers broken enough to provide very little flow. Enough to cool the engine but not enough to heat the tank. If you can't blow through then look at each leg of the system until you find the blockage. Are there any valves next to the engine that have to be opened?
You have already checked out most of the system but I didn't see in your posting that you had established there was satisfactory water flow through the heater. Good luck, Ray