[C320-list] Heat Exchanger Removal - Perkins M30

[Joe Luciano]

So, my 2 cents here as I have replaced my exchanger bundle and exhaust elbow several years ago.  First, you can remove the exchanger bundle from the back end, without disconnecting the front side at all.  This is a good thing as typically the alternator is in the way on the front side and has to be removed to gain access.  My exchanger bundle was clean as a whistle after 10 years of use which was very surprising to me.  I did upgrade from a 2 pass to a 4 pass exchanger bundle for improved cooling, which has been great.  The exhaust elbow typically requires a change out in the 8-10 year timeframe.  As previously mentioned, it corrodes from the inside and chokes off the water flow over time.  In order to remove it, you have to remove the connection to the engine block and the hose connection on the other side which goes to the muffler.  Take the whole thing out of the boat and work on it in a shop where you have room to apply leverage.  Otherwise, you will never get the exhaust elbow apart to replace it.  Mark the pieces for orientation before removing them such that the new elbow can be installed and fit correctly.  I had my local Yanmar shop remove the old and put the new elbow together (With a large cheater bar to get the old one apart!) Then, I took it down and reinstalled it on my boat.  Best of luck!!

Joe

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2020, at 12:46 PM, BILL CARR <bcarr8239 at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
>  I can attest to the importance of a free flowing exhaust system. I replaced my Perkins with a new Volvo due to the elbow restriction causing damage to  my M30 with only 1100 hours. I love the performance of the new Volvo however I would have preferred not paying for a repower.
> Bill
> Utopia C320 #31 
>> On March 10, 2020 at 6:03 AM appleton1 at yahoo.com wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> While you’re at it, disconnect the mixing elbow from the exhaust manifold and check for internal rust.
>> The part is a heavy casting and, unlike those on lesser engines, will not rust through but rather rust internally, to the point that it chokes the engine. The 2-in.-dia. port to the muffler becomes 1/8 in. dia., or smaller!
>> Ask me how I know...
>> - Joe Jablonowski
>> C320 #103
>> 
>> ============================   
>> 
>>>> On Mar 10, 2020, at 8:44 AM, Jeff Smith <jeffreyssmith at live.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> To all,
>>> 
>>> I apologize in advance if this has been discussed. I searched the archives and did not see a thread. Does anyone have a simple heat exchanger removal checklist or set of instructions? I would like to remove my heat exchanger and clean it. Additionally, my plan is to soak it in a 5 gallon bucket using barnacle buster or something similar. Any thoughts on that, as well? Are there other alternatives that work well that are less expensive?
>>> 
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>> 
>>> Jeff Smith
>>> S/V Sailmates, #121, ‘94
>>