Closed cooling systems

[Deer Lake]

I have a 2001 Bayliner 2452 with a 5.0 liter merc engine saltwater cooled. I would like to switch to a closed cooling system, is this possible? I was told the only time you can do this is when the engine in brand new, is this correct?
Thanks Deer lake

 

[jere1972]

Re: Closed cooling systems

In my process of looking for an engine, I have talked with several individuals, if any contaminants from raw water, fresh or salt especially salt, closed cooling is only Possible after a complete tear down and proper wash/rebuild and reassembly, I also questioned the need for closed cooling, many people state that closed cooling can cause more problems then it solves, and if properly flushed raw water cooled engines will last just as long, the guy rebuilding my engine told me that unless your trying to protect your $40k Diesel for future rebuilds there is nothing wrong with raw water cooled, he more or less stated gas engines like the 5.0 are throw away motors, they are readily avail rebuilt or new, so why spent upwards of $2k on having a closed cooling system installed to protect a long block that cost less then 3k brand new???

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Closed cooling systems

Yes, It needs to be done when the engine is new...If you put closed cooling in an old motor the coolant will at some point cause some old internal water jacket corrosion (rust) to break loose. The rust then sticks in the small orifices in the heat exchanger causing overheat problems. You are best off running what you have. If it ever needs a new block, or if you put in a block from a car or truck. That's when you can add closed cooling.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Closed cooling systems

Yes, It needs to be done when the engine is new...If you put closed cooling in an old motor the coolant will at some point cause some old internal water jacket corrosion (rust) to break loose. The rust then sticks in the small orifices in the heat exchanger causing overheat problems. You are best off running what you have. If it ever needs a new block, or if you put in a block from a car or truck. That's when you can add closed cooling.

+1^^^

 

[Deer Lake]

Re: Closed cooling systems

In my process of looking for an engine, I have talked with several individuals, if any contaminants from raw water, fresh or salt especially salt, closed cooling is only Possible after a complete tear down and proper wash/rebuild and reassembly, I also questioned the need for closed cooling, many people state that closed cooling can cause more problems then it solves, and if properly flushed raw water cooled engines will last just as long, the guy rebuilding my engine told me that unless your trying to protect your $40k Diesel for future rebuilds there is nothing wrong with raw water cooled, he more or less stated gas engines like the 5.0 are throw away motors, they are readily avail rebuilt or new, so why spent upwards of $2k on having a closed cooling system installed to protect a long block that cost less then 3k brand new???

Thanks for the great information.

 

[Deer Lake]

Re: Closed cooling systems

Hi, thanks for the great information.

 

[Deer Lake]

Re: Closed cooling systems

Thanks for the great information.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Closed cooling systems

Salt water, yes when new. Fresh water can be older. I did my engines after 700 hours in fresh water, because they were about to go in salt water. Since I have 7.4 L engines, the cost of replacing them is a lot higher than the small block engines. So, it made sense, despite the hours on the engines. I also was starting off with new manifolds, so that was a factor as well.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Closed cooling systems

Yes you need a clean block and heads for a 1/2 system (block only) clean manifolds also for a full closed system. Personaly I wouldnt own a I/O without fresh water cooling, far easier to winterize and lasts forever, the only deteriorating part is the risers, if you use pencil anodes in the drains they are good for 7 or 8 years in salt water and practicly forever in fresh.