Heat Exchanger gaskets

hdommert · Post by **hdommert** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 4:46 am

Seven years and running since I first purchased a Bertram. After the initial refurbishing by Worton Creek Marina & Boat Yard I haven’t had many issues. It’s been a wonderful experience and great times on the Chesapeake Bay. Despite economic ups and downs the boat was always a priority. I justified prioritizing the boat for mental health reasons

Enough reminiscing, I am looking for advice or incite into a recent incident which involved the heat exchangers. While underway the starboard’s heat exchanger blew a gasket The engine’s temperature maintained so we were able to limp back running both with a 12’ water spout shooting straight up into the air. Other than replacing the gasket are there any other potential issues I need to troubleshoot? Intuition tells me I might be overlooking a more serious problem. Has this happened to anyone? Thanks, Heinz J Dommert ‘Bright Raven’ Newark, Delaware 33’ Bertram 86 SF Heinz J. Dommert 1986 SF Bright Raven, Summit North Marina DE

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 6:11 am

I've never had a heat exchanger gasket just blow. Do you have a blockage in the heat exchanger or somewhere in the system? Have you had them cleaned out anytime in the last seven years?

hdommert · Post by **hdommert** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 11:14 am

Had them taken apart and acid washed about 5 or six years ago. Seems strange to me as well, that’s why I thought I’d check around before assuming that its just the gasket. Water must have been circulating since the temperature held despite the leak. Apparently there’s a filler cap with a pressure release valve on the heat exchanger but I know nothing about. When the pressure exceeds the limit the valve releases vapor to an overflow tank where it condenses. Heinz J. Dommert 1986 SF Bright Raven, Summit North Marina DE

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 12:38 pm

The gasket on the heat exchanger should only keep sea water in, the engine coolant should be fine. I would look carefully for an obstruction down stream of the exchanger, which is the exhaust elbow. I could have just blown for no reason but it sounds like your elbows are corroded and plugged. If you have gas engines you're way over due for that service if you haven't had them changed since your initial refurb.