overheating and bilge full of antifreeze..

RonE · July 22, 2016, 05:29:18 AM

A few weeks ago I had an overheating problem, first time in 3 yrs owning the boat. I eventually bypassed my waterheater, and solved my overheating problem, so I thought. Did about 5 nice 3 to 4 hour day sails since, and temp Guage never went over 160. That is until yesterday, she spiked as we were coming into the dock. Which we fell short of because we killed the engine.
After a cool down, we realized the radiator was empty with all of its contents in the bildge. I had used a 3/8 fuel hose as the bipass of the waterheater, until I got a delivery of a 3/8 radiator hose. Which was tough to find. Anyway going down this morning to check that hose I installed the last time out..

RonE · July 22, 2016, 08:10:54 AM

I am leaking antifreeze at the base of the elbow on the heat exchanger

Stu Jackson · July 22, 2016, 09:44:22 AM

Sorry to hear about your loss (pi!).

How old are the hoses? Have you removed the hose and replaced it on the barb? Is it fully seated? Are you sure that's THE leak?

RonE · July 22, 2016, 10:34:59 AM

It's leaking by the base. Here's a photo

Noah · July 22, 2016, 02:18:46 PM

Ron: I Got your PM and here is my order info from Go2Marine for my SeaKamp HX
SKU Description: 115507 Universal -Medalist Replacement Heat Exchanger, 3" Dia x 13-1/4" Long w/Straps; M4-30 CuNi, 302631CN $396.01

Stu Jackson · July 22, 2016, 03:07:06 PM

We got ours there, too.

Heat Exchangers 101: Sources for replacement Good Guys at Sendure

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6920.0.html

lazybone · July 22, 2016, 06:41:24 PM

Looks like you should be able to clean and braze it.

Ron Hill · July 23, 2016, 01:18:28 PM

Ron : Any radiator shop should be able to fix that and confirm the fix with a pressure check!!

You might want to contact SemDure and get 2 new end caps and gaskets!! You'll have a like new HX !!

A few thoughts

lazybone · July 23, 2016, 07:32:01 PM

If you know an Air Conditioning guy they can fix it too.

KWKloeber · July 24, 2016, 04:54:35 PM

Ron,

If you are considering repairing the Hx, consider the age, and the possibility that the internal tubes are at the point of a possible pinhole between the seawater and coolant sides. Then it's a throwaway. Mine became a throwaway (totally freshwater use) at 17 years old.

What engine is it on?

kk

RonE · July 27, 2016, 12:02:36 PM

Thanks for responses..
I ordered a new HX from go2marine..
I wanted to replace all 4 hoses coming off the HX, are they particular or can I get those hoses from any marine repair outlet.
Thanks
RonE

Ron Hill · July 28, 2016, 01:48:13 PM

Ron : On most of the hoses you can use nylon reinforced hose except the hoses into the inlet of a pump or if the hose needs to make a acute turn. This is so the hose will not collapse!!

You definitely what the hose from the HX to the engine internal coolant pump to be wire reinforced. The others can be nylon reinforced heater hoses - I prefer the Gates brand.

A few thoughts