Mercruiser Heat Exchanger Increases Operating Efficiency

2009-01-13 11:28:35

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The Mercruiser heat exchanger is a very important component in this hugely successful brand of inboard and outboard motors.

The power plant on the inboard or outdoor motor may be a two-cycle or four-cycle engine. Some of them may be fitted with a standard cooling system, which basically directs seawater to the chamber housing the thermostat. From this housing, the water flows to a circulating pump, through the cylinder block and heads, and thence to the heating manifold in the exhaust to achieve cooling.

For some of the more expensive inboard or outboard engine models, however, heating engineers have designed the special Mercruiser heat exchanger to provide more efficient cooling. Under this closed system, the water inlet pump directs the seawater to the Mercruiser heat exchanger. Only freshwater or coolant moves through tubes surrounding the cylinder block; and from there, the fluid circulates through the Mercruiser heat exchanger tubes. As the fluid circulates, it meets seawater being pumped through a separate set of heat exchanger tubes and heat passes from the hotter freshwater to the cooler seawater.

The Mercruiser heat exchanger system allows a higher operating temperature for the engine. In the standard system, the operating temperature ranges from 143 to 175 degrees fahrenheit; but closed system in the Mercruiser heat exchanger can handle operating temperatures of 160 to 195 degrees fahrenheit. This is an increase of nearly 12 percent in operating efficiency.

It is important to maintain vigilance for possible overheating, whether your power plant has the standard cooling system or the Mercruiser heat exchanger. When you notice overheating on the cylinder heads but the exhaust heating manifold remains cool, you need to inspect three things. First, check the level of coolant in the exchanger. Second, make sure the thermostat is working properly. Finally, detach the cover on your Mercruiser heat exchanger and check for particle deposits or other debris.


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