[C320-list] Intermittent coolant leak - found!

Tue Aug 7 23:41:06 PDT 2018

I thought I would update the group that I finally found of the intermittent coolant leak!   While the starboard drain plug seems like a logical culprit it turned out to be the radiator cap. I took a video of it today under sail, on a port tack and with the engine under load. Coolant is leaking from the cap and running down the starboard side of the radiator right where the drain plug is. Since I just put a new cap on the culprit is probably the fitting/housing on the radiator. Thanks for all the suggestions - love this group!
Sara
Wandering Star (#707)
Seattle

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 26, 2018, at 1:00 PM, c320-list-request at lists.catalina320.com wrote:
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>   1. Re: C320-list Digest, Vol 3227, Issue 1 (Sara Skinner Schroeder)
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> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:56:07 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Sara Skinner Schroeder <saras951 at comcast.net>
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] C320-list Digest, Vol 3227, Issue 1
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> Thanks for all the suggestions!  Just to be clear....I do have coolant in the heat exchanger and the overflow tank always has enough coolant to sit at the "low" mark when the engine is not running.  When I suggested that the overflow tank was "dry" what I meant was that I checked the overflow tank itself to see if it was cracked, if the cap was secure, if coolant had dripped under the overlay tank, if the hose running from the heat exchanger to the overlay tank was cracked or leaking, etc. When none of these things occurred I meant to say it was 'dry in that area'.  Haven't been to the boat in the last couple days but will check the areas suggested. 
> Sara
> 
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>> On July 25, 2018 at 1:01 PM c320-list-request at lists.catalina320.com wrote:
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>>   1. Re: Intermittent coolant leak (Warren Updike)
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>> Message: 1
>> Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2018 21:54:53 +0000
>> From: Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com>
>> To: "c320-list at lists.catalina320.com"
>>    <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Intermittent coolant leak
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>> For those challenged by basic engine maintenance, anyone owning a 320 can do the basic stuff to keep your kitty purring along. Here is some things I've learned along the way:
>> 
>> The coolant overflow connected to the top of the heat exchanger should never be empty. When cold it should be at or above the "Cold" mark, and when at "NOT" (normal operating temperature,) it should be at or near the "Hot" mark. If it is too low, just open the cap on the overflow bottle and poor in sufficient coolant to the proper mark. Because the coolant expands and contracts as the engine warms and cools, the excess coolant will move in and out of the heat exchanger. This assures your engine will always have the proper amount of coolant regardless of temperature. 
>> 
>> As for the coolant, it used to be that the color mattered and we were not to mix colors. I'm not real sure; but, I think most coolants today can be mixed. I buy only pre-mixed coolant at auto stores. It?s already mixed 50/50 with distilled water. I'm not sure what color it is as I'm color vision deficient. Just like with batteries, nothing but distilled water should ever be put in your engine. Yes, the pre-mixed is a tad more expensive; but, the engine only holds about 1 gallon. Go for it. Also, if in doubt, ask the store clerk about the color mixing issue. To be sure, start by flushing your cooling system.
>> 
>> Every year I remove about a quart or two of coolant and replace with fresh stuff. If you have never drained and flushed your heat exchanger, perhaps you should consider doing so. Instruction are on the internet. Then, you should only need to replace a part to half of the coolant each year or two.
>> 
>> If I've misstated any part of this, please correct me. I'm only a man.
>> 
>> Warren and Pattie Updike
>> 1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
>> Middle River, MD (Chesapeake Bay)
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Dave Hupe [mailto:hoopdtwo at yahoo.com] 
>> Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 7:16 PM
>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Intermittent coolant leak
>> 
>> Sara-
>> I do not have your engine (mine is Perkins M30), but I offer a few comments as "food for thought".
>> 1.? Normally you should have some coolant in your overflow tank.....it should not be dry!? There should be a "low" mark on the overflow tank.? You should add properly mixed coolant to the overflow tank to this "low" level mark when the engine is cool.?2.?What is the level of coolant (with engine cool) in your heat exchanger tank (you said you replaced the radiator cap, so I hope? you confirmed it is full enough)?? Are you overheating slightly and the engine expelling minor coolant (which should go to the overflow tank)?3.? Check the small diameter fluid tubing that runs to the overflow tank from just under the lip where the radiator cap sits.? Maybe the hose is loose (clamp loose), or the hose is cracked and fluid is seeping there rather than getting to your overflow tank. Replacing this hose would be inexpensive and easy.
>> Dave Hupe
>> 1994 Cat 320 "Mayan Sun" (#32)
>> Holland, MI ?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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>> End of C320-list Digest, Vol 3227, Issue 1
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