Heat exchanger leaking?

tony1b2000

Active Member
Oct 10, 2007
243
Salem MA
Boat Info
Carver C37
Engines
Mercury Diesel 4.2 TDI, inboards
Hello all,

I have been seeing some staining under my heat exchanger dripping over the alternator etc..
I am hoping that it is simply the end gasket that needs replacement and not a crack in it. I have to look closer when I run up the RPMs at idle as I don't see any dripping when at idle. The hose clamp is tight and the hose looks fine.

Is there an easy way to drain these prior to me removing the end caps? Do they have to be bleed out once I replace the end caps. This is the boats 9th season. 496 Mags
Any other suggestions greatly appreciated!

20190815_094022.jpg
 
That end cap looks like it has a larger gap at the bottom which may be the cause of your probs. Remove and replace gaskets and bolt o-rings. Use Mercury/quicksilver perfect seal on the end cap gaskets too.
 
Thanks for all your help. It was a lot easier than I thought. The water was drained when I took the end caps off so no real mess.
Just an FYI for those doing this: on my unit there is an O ring that is also needed. It was stuck to the old gasket when I removed it.
If you forget to put back, ( like i did ) water will start seeping out of the bolt!!
20190824_101005.jpg


I did have to flush water through the tubes to clean. Can anyone recommend a good device to use to clear the tubes without damaging them?

Last, the torque spec on mine was 54 inch pounds which I got from Merc over the phone...
 
Rydlyme. You can get it on Amazon or even eBay. I had a 5 gallon bottle delivered. Also good for other raw water systems including ac units.

The other alternative is to take them off and get them to a radiator shop.
 

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