I have a Westerbeke 55 that has me really stumped. The most glaring symptom is what seems to be the line from the manifold/header tank to the expansion tank. Even though the tank at the manifold is low on coolant, adding water at the expansion tank doesn't flow into the manifold tank. It seems as though there is some kind of check valve that is supposed to open when the expansion of the coolant under heat occurs, thus flowimg into the expansion tank. In the 17 years I've had this emgine, adding coolant at the expansion tank is all I've needed to do to keep the coolant topped up. But lately it has been working like that. I have to add coolant about every six to eight running hours(or leaks). I'm thinking that the leak(s) are hard to find because the coolant hadn't gotten warm to create any steam or whatever to expand, thus forcing a leak. Like most engine installations, it's hard to impossible to see the complete engine, particulary poking my head around fanbelts and pulleys while running. I can also imagine a scenario in which coolant is being forced out of the fresh water side of the system. because the line to the expansion tank is blocked (by that stuck check valve?). So, having no other place to go, it "expands" st the various hose connection. ut does it even have a check valve? Where? How does one cleans it?
I have tried to pressure test the system, but most universal pressure test kits take more vertical room than is available. I've tried attaching an air tank fitting to the shell of a radiator cap for testing, but too many leaks. Anyone have any ideas?
I have tried to pressure test the system, but most universal pressure test kits take more vertical room than is available. I've tried attaching an air tank fitting to the shell of a radiator cap for testing, but too many leaks. Anyone have any ideas?
