Salt Water in Fresh Water System

[marc2012]

Salt water going into fresh syste.Engine is westerbeke 30 (4-91).Would this most likely be the heat exchanger or the manifold.Thanks in advance.marc

[AnchorageGuy]

marc, odds are pretty good that it is the heat exchanger. I would start there, pull it off and take it to a radiator shop. For a few dollars they can pressure test it.

[marc2012]

Thanks for the reply,my thoughts also.Am looking for one now,would like to have prior tp disassembly.Can these be repaired or throw away.I know tube typekeel collers can't.Not used to small enginsw/o keel collers.marc

[AnchorageGuy]

marc, there are usually pinholes in the tubing and not repairable. The best advise I can give is to replace it.

[svcattales]

Originally Posted by marc2012

Salt water going into fresh syste.Engine is westerbeke 30 (4-91).Would this most likely be the heat exchanger or the manifold.Thanks in advance.marc

Marc, I have this problem on Volvo engines. At each end of the heat exchanger are rubber caps with two hose clamps. The small clamp keeps sea water in the heat exchanger tube and the large clamp keeps the anti-freeze in the cast iron body of the exchanger. If the small clamp isn't put on just right, sea water will leak around it and go into the antii freeze and fill up the reservoir. When it fills up water comes out the pressure relief hose and goes in the bilge. If your Westerbeke has same setup, make sure your small clamp is on tight.

[marc2012]

Thanks will ck today.Know there is a large cap because had to change clamp.Ordered a new hx but will have a spare if that is the problem.marc