Heat Exchanger

[russmorgan]

The survey on my "new" boat (C34,325) recommends I "r/r" my heat exchanger because of corrosion and leakage.  I have a fair amount of mechanical aptitude.  Is this something I can do, or is it best left to experts?  

Russ

[Stu Jackson]

Russ

Using the main website search engine on "heat exchanger" gets you lots of input.  This is just one of them:

http://www.c34.org/faq-pages/faq-overheating.html

If you use the "find" tab on the message board and type in "+ heat + exchanger" you'll also get lots of good info.

Removing the HX is easy:  the four hoses and the two hose clamps that hold it onto the bracket at the aft end of the engine.

To replace the HX you'll most likely want the newer three inch HX (your hull #325 could have either an M25 engine or the M25XP - the XP engine already had the 3 inch HX).  

If you already have the 3 inch size, it's a straight swap.  If you have the smaller 2 inch HX, you'll have to do some work on the bracket to make the larger HX fit.

DEPCO may be a lower priced source for a new HX.  Search or "find" for DEPCO and you'll get the phone # in one of the posts.  Therwise, go to Universal's website.

While you're at it, change the hoses, too.

All of this is already written up in the resources available in the search engines.

Stu

[Alohman]

if your heat exchanger is the 2" size, dont bother cleaning it, replace it with a 3".  Cost about $400, not too dificult to install but significant cooling difference on the engine,