FWC Heat Exchanger

[Senior B]

My boat is powered by a 2010 5.7GXI-JF with the factory installed fresh water cooling. My question is: Is there any maintenance that needs on the heat exchanger such as removing the end caps and cleaning it? Any advice to removing it? The manual has very little on it. Thanks in advance..

 

[alldodge]

Depending on the water you boat in (salt, fresh, brackish) will determine how often you should remove the end caps. Many will say remove them yearly during winterization to inspect and clean out any debris that happens to be there. Each time the caps are remove a new gasket should be used, but also determines how often they are removed.

Some just wait until they notice the engine running warmer then normal and then inspect. Replace the antifreeze as VP states

Most exchangers also have a zinc or aluminum anode in them which needs to be replaced around the same time as the ones on your drive.

 

[Senior B]

Thank you for your information. I have replaced the anode right after I purchased the boat. There was nothing left on it. I take it that the two caps are part of each side I.E the top by the anode is the coolant side and the bottom is the Raw water side? I am noticing a creep in temp. My last boat was Raw water cooled and ran at 175 no matter how long I ran it hard. This one is only at 175 at idle and runs up from there close to 200 if I'm pushing it hard and will always surge close to 200 when I back off throttles from cruise when coming to a no wake zone. Never over heated though. Don't know if this is normal as it's my 1st FWC motor.

 

[Bondo]

I am noticing a creep in temp.

Ayuh,.... Have ya changed the impeller, 'n serviced the raw water pump yet,..??

 

[Senior B]

Yes, I changed the impeller in May at the start of the season. Used OEM kit.

 

[alldodge]

With it getting close to 200 I would remove the caps and inspect, it might need cleaning.

 

[Senior B]

Am going to pull the heat exchanger this weekend. It's a bit of a project as there isn't much room. Are there any torque specs for the end cap nuts? If ordered the one available gasket from here. Is there a section in the manual on it? If there is, I haven't found it. I have removed the risers and manifolds as the stock metal gaskets were leaking badly on both. They didn't look clogged at all. Thank you for the responses.

 

[alldodge]

Was hoping a VP dude would come around but found the ones for Merc are 54 lb-in. I using just set my elbow and snug it up good with a boxed end wrench.