heat exchanger end caps

[durango2013]

I have a 1980 twin Mercruiser 470s. After winter storage I noticed end cap of one of the heat exchangers popped off and other end looks warped. Can I just buy new caps and install myself and how do they seal?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: heat exchanger end caps

Someone didn't winterize your motors!!!! Or didn't do it right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The end caps can be bought at any Mercruiser dealer.Buy new seals too.
Replace and run,BUT WATCH them!!
The damage could be extensive. Get a radiator tester and check the fresh water side first..
If it tests ok then go get your money back from whoever winterized them. Jerry

 

[bhammer]

Re: heat exchanger end caps

You can buy the endcaps on-line but you will need to know if you ahve a 3" or 4" manifold. On my aft one, it was just a peice of SS cut in a circle with a hole in the middle for the bolt. They should be sealed with a (about) 1/16" think peice of rubber. That was what was on mine.... Your heat exchanger is probably damaged internally though if it managed to get the end caps. You may want to take it off and send to a radiator shop to have them pressure test it / repriar it for you.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: heat exchanger end caps

A radiator test at home will save you $$$ and you won't have to take it apart too. (BIG JOB 2 motors)
If your coolant resivoir is staying full then you probably don't have a leak. Test anyway.Jerry

 

[bhammer]

Re: heat exchanger end caps

True, or the raw water could fill up the resivoir and start to fill up the overflow.

 

[flabum]

Re: heat exchanger end caps

Check the sterndrives for cracks. If the water was'nt drained from the heat exchangers, then it was'nt drained from the drives either.