Success !! Removed the Leaky Heat Exchanger !

[bene505]

This was a big win for me. It's been on my do list for quite awhile. I was a bit intimidated to work on that big blue thing under the companionway stairs. You know, the thing with all the hoses and parts. I finally worked up the courage to do it.

Our heat exchanger has been putting sea water into the engine bilge. There was a bad gasket and seawater leaked around one of the bolts holding the end cap on.

Previously, my car mechanic looked at the rusted bolts holding the end cap on, and suggested that I remove the whole heat exchanger, instead of trying to remove the end cap. He said to bring it to him instead. This is the same friend who helped me with my windlass project, when I couldn't get one of the bolts out: Took the windlass apart today - found something interesting things - SailNet Community

The removal of the heat exchanger was straightforward. I found that the end cap is actually cracked, so I'll need a new one.

Here's the context picture, so you can see where the heat exchanger is. It's in the middle of the picture, connected to the right side of the nearly-horizontal black hose.


Here's a picture of the heat exchanger, now removed from the engine:


And here's a picture of the cracked end cap: (Not a great picture, I know.)


Here's a shot where you can see the engine rust caused by the leak from above:


It's a Perkins sabre engine. I believe it's 75 Kw, 82 HP. If anyone knows a good place to get parts, please let me know. I'm new to finding parts and my mechanic usually works on cars.

I'm really glad I'm getting this done. It's a great feeling.

Regards,
Brad

[captain465]

Perkins parts.........Hanson Marine....800-343-0480.........ask for Tracy
Good Luck!

[bene505]

Originally Posted by captain465

Perkins parts.........Hanson Marine....800-343-0480.........ask for Tracy
Good Luck!

Captain465,

I called them.. Steve answered the phone and is looking into it. (I emailed him this thread so he can see the pictures. Very convenient.)

Thanks for the lead!

Regards,
Brad

[osirissail]

For Perkins parts that are not specifically "marine" such as heat exchangers - look up farm tractor repair outfits. Seems the largest user of Perkins diesels are farm tractors, worldwide. And I found pricing and availability better at these places.

[Rocketman]

I get most of my parts, for my perkins diesel, from Trans Atlantic Diesel 804-642-9295, they are great, if they have the parts, they send them out that day. Congradulations on taking on the project.

[familycruisers]

How about Universal m18, does that cross to any non-marine uses?

[bene505]

Originally Posted by Rocketman

I get most of my parts, for my perkins diesel, from Trans Atlantic Diesel 804-642-9295, they are great, if they have the parts, they send them out that day. Congradulations on taking on the project.

TAD actually emailed me that they have the part. $11 but it's a plastic part. The current part is metal. My mechanic says to not get the plastic one.

I just left a message at Hanson Marine, we'll see what they come back with.

All -- Your support is much appreciated!

(Should I mention what I have my eye on fixing next? Maybe I'll wait until this is done. It will be an even bigger step for me.)

Regards,
Brad