QSC 8.3 Heat Exchanger Internal leak?

[Charles Giambalbvo]

Took end caps off to clean out and forward end of heat exchanger started to drip coolant, not from core, but on bottom bettween core and housing. Does this indicate nothing or an internal leak? I notice a slight loss of coolant in same engine only about a pint after 20 hours or so. I assume next step might be to warm up engine take a zinc out pressure test and see if coolant comes out of zinc hole? Thanks

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[Charles Giambalbvo]

Thanks Again

Hey every boat should have a cooling system pressure tester! Thanks for identifying the White Elephant. By the way after searching lots of coolant testers, only NAPA had size to fit QSC 8.3 neck and without any adapter.

[Rob Schepis]

Good post Phil, my brain was stuck on the mechanical engine, not the Q series….

[Philip]

If you took off the end cap of the heat exchanger and noticed coolant leaking this would be normal and expected!

The end cap seals the o ring that separates sea water from the coolant and without pressure against the o ring the coolant would just run out.

Unless I’m missing something your chasing a white elephant!

Phil

[Charles Giambalbvo]

Got it Thank-you

Need to prepare her for the trip from Naples to East Hampton. Hard to get parts on the East End….

Thanks again.

[Rob Schepis]

No, you want the engine cool so you can safely remove the cap and attach the testing adapter. Be sure the coolant is at proper level in the expansion tank. Make sure your recovery bottle and tubing are clear and functioning. Do not over pressurize and watch the gauge for any pressure drop – it should stay put. And yes check that area where you noticed coolant at the Heat-Ex.

[Charles Giambalbvo]

Thanks

Yes, buying a coolant tester tomorrow. Plan to warm up engine, turn off, pump up pressure with tester to 15lbs. take out zinc from heat exchanger cap and see if coolant comes out…..makes sense? Thanks again.

[donald roth]

Just use an automotive pressure tester, it will mount directly to the “radiator cap” on the coolant reservoir.

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