[Public-List] Thanks-- Re: Overheating diesel engine

[Randy Katz via Public-List]

Greetings,

Many thanks to Jeffrey and Wes who responded with very helpful info about
this problem. I'm also consulting Nigel Calder's book.

The website Jeff sent (below) is a very handy reference point for
anyone--save it for future reference?

> Good link on Westerbeke & Univeral heat exchangers.
> http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/heat_exchanger
>
I'm now looking fwd to getting back to the boat to mess around some more
with this instead of dreading it.

Thanks, fellow Albergers--

> > Randy
> > #249 Simple Gifts
> > Seattle/Bellingham



> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:56:22 -0400
> From: Wes Gardner via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
> To: Jeff Fongemie <fongemie at gmail.com>,         Alberg 30 Public List --
> open
>         to all <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
> Cc: Randy Katz <randy.katz50 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Public-List] Overheating diesel engine-- 2 questions or
>         more
> Message-ID:
>         <
> CAFWpyHyqZeYAMkp0S70fhTqXTpF2W+qyjj6Ps7FMpCBHDaFm2g at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Randy,
>
> The first thing I'd check is the impeller to be sure you're pumping
> adequate water...mine runs normally at 180 in the warm water of the
> Chesapeake but it's an entirely different motor...
>
> Wes
>
> On Thu, Sep 11, 2014 at 1:43 PM, Jeffrey via Public-List <
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>
> > Hi Randy,
> >
> > I'm no diesel mechanic,  but I would address both the thermostat and the
> > heat exchanger at the same time. You'll need to drain the coolant system
> > some to test/change the thermostat anyway, so unplugging the heat
> exchanger
> > and giving it a good cleaning at the same time makes sense to me.  I
> don't
> > think I'd take the risk running strong acid through the system, the
> > exchanger is easy enough to clean when removed.  And, by actually opening
> > up the exchanger you may find stuff in there that the acid won't
> dissolve.
> > If you are like me you'll motor just a little happier knowing how clean
> the
> > exchanger is when you are finished.
> >
> > Good link on Westerbeke & Univeral heat exchangers.
> > http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/heat_exchanger
> >
> > When you put everything back together, be careful to properly bleed out
> all
> > the air from the cooling system. An air bubble can lead to overheating
> > quickly.
> >
> > I would not rule out the external screen on the through hull. Plastic bag
> > trash can get in there and foul that up.  I removed the screen on water
> > intake, and just use a straight open through hull, preferring to let the
> > inboard filter catch debris.
> >
> > -jeff
> >
> >
> >
> > On Thu, Sep 11, 2014 at 12:55 PM, Randy Katz via Public-List <
> > public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> >
> > > Greetings, Folks,
> > >
> > > On the last trip, my Universal diesel showed an increase in temp. from
> > the
> > > normal 160 degrees to 170 after running for a couple of hours at
> cruising
> > > speed of about 5 kts.  This hasn't happened before. (1200 hrs. on the
> > > engine).
> > >
> > > I assume this temp increase is significant.
> > >
> > > I cleared the sea water filter feeding the engine. (It was clogged the
> > > first time, and cleaning it resulted in lower temp. though with another
> > > half-hour of running the temp rose a bit again.)
> > >
> > > The exterior hull screen should be all clear (hauled out a month ago).
> > The
> > > seawater filter is now clean. So I'm wondering if it's the heat
> exchanger
> > > calling out to be cleaned. Or perhaps the thermostat.
> > >
> > > QUESTION--Is this likely to be a thermostat problem? That would be
> great
> > as
> > > it would be easy to replace. I understand the basics re: testing that
> > part
> > > and a replacement would be simple.
> > >
> > > QUESTION--Should I expect a clogging heat exchanger could be the
> problem,
> > > given the 1200 hrs. on the engine? Mechanics suggest there's no need to
> > > bother with this until "it's really necessary." How does one know when
> > that
> > > is?
> > >
> > > Is it reasonable (as recommended by a dockmate) to try clearing the
> heat
> > > exchanger by running vinegar (or acyliatic acid-- splg?) from a bucket
> > into
> > > the engine, letting it sit for an hour or so, and then flushing the
> thing
> > > out with seawater?
> > >
> > > Any advice would be appreciated. I'll start with the thermostat and see
> > > what happens.
> > >
> > > I can imagine spending plenty of time trying to pull out the exchanger
> > with
> > > the engine in place--if the thermostat doesn't do it, can I assume that
> > the
> > > heat exchanger is the problem?
> > >
> > > Many Thanks,
> > >
> > > Best Regards,
> > >
> > > Randy
> > > #249 Simple Gifts
> > > Seattle/Bellingham
>
>
>

 1410561498.0