Hello again everyone,
well I am pleased to report that my raw
water is flowing as it should once again but I am not entirely sure that I know why however......
I took the
advice of Chas Erwin and looked at the outlet side of the
heat exchanger. By removing the pipe immediately behind the exchanger (that's the pipe that is attached to the union on the
heat exchanger casing) and turning the
engine over it appears to allow the flow of
water through the system and remove any pressure irregularities that the
exhaust system may be creating. I must stress that I have no idea why but, as soon as this pipe was removed, water flowed easily through the system. Obviously, my engine bay got wet but the water ran down into the
bilge and got pumped away easily. I allowed the engine to idle for about 30 seconds during which time I observed that there was a constant flow of raw water exiting the union at the rear of the heat exchanger. After which, I turned the engine off and replaced the pipe and tightened up the clip. Turning the engine back on I was praying that water would emerge out of the
exhaust as it should and I was not disappointed. It poured out and I breathed a BIG sigh of relief. As I said already, I am not at all sure why removing this pipe has
solved the problem, but it has. Thankyou one and all. I celebrated by taking her out for a sail although I must admit, I kept one eye on that exhaust the entire time I was exiting and reentering the harbour
I was only at peace when the
sails were up!!!
Cheers.