[C320-list] Anti-Freeze Leak

[resloat]

Joe-I would wipe all the antifreeze up and start up the engine to get it up 
to operating temperature under load at the dock if necessary with secure 
mooring lines if you can do that.  The key is to get the engine hot and the 
antifreeze loop hot, turn off the engine and check it carefully with a 
flashlight to look for weeping or drips on the clean floor below the engine. 
If none below the engine, check all the antifreeze loop connections for 
weeping such as hose connections for the water pump and the temperature 
sensor on the engine and the hose connections for the hot water heater.  On 
my hull 894 there are a few plumbing connections from the engine to the 
water heater.

If you don't find any leaks on the floor under the engine then maybe 
winterization resulted in pink stuff on the sea water side ending up under 
the engine and not antifreeze.  A low reservoir tank may have been that way 
since last season.

Also, I am unaware of any anti-leak additives in today's antifreezes to stop 
leaky hoses or pin holes in metal parts.  Stop leak for your radiator might 
work, but I am sure it would coat the heat exchanger and possibly reduce 
heat transfer efficiency and would not used it in my boat or car.

Bob Sloat
S/V Savannah 894 (2002)
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joseph R Aberdale" <summerwind3 at comcast.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 5:25 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Anti-Freeze Leak


I know I have an anti-freeze leak as it puddles underneath the engine and 
the reserve container is empty.  I ran the engine today at a fast idle for 
one half hour and it did not leak. Can I run the engine at the dock with it 
in gear at about 2500 RPM to see where it is leaking?  Any other suggestions 
short of running her at about 3400 RPM on the water with someone else at the 
helm so I can observe it will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Joe Aberdale
Morning Star
#908