Mercruiser 3.0 I/O engine fresh cooling system ...

[beachcraft]

Hi All,<br /><br />I have just bought a 18 ft boat w/ Mercruiser 3.0L.<br />I am considering to install a fresh cooling system, but I found out that there is only a half system available.<br />I have read many posted messages but I can still not make up my mind.<br /><br />I have the following opnion/questions to sort out before I install it ..<br /><br />1- If I install the fresh cooling system, the cooliing system now will have<br /> a lot of pressure that can cause leak.<br /><br />2- I have more thing to maintain w/ the engine?<br /><br />3- How more years can I extend the engine life comparing between<br /> the normal fresh water flushing and the fresh cooling system?<br /><br />4- Where can I find a good fresh cooling system for Mercruiser 3.0l?<br /><br /> Thanks for all helps <br />BC

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 I/O engine fresh cooling system ...

1You will have to remove to water pump from the outdrive. Your motors water pump will be used with the new cooling system.<br />2 yes ,Your car has a closed cooling system look at it that way.<br />3 If you are running on fresh water,none. Salt,flush out after each use,not a whole lot.<br />4 not sure I am sure others will help. <br />I have always been told "if it aint broke dont fix it".

 

[Boatist]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 I/O engine fresh cooling system ...

Beachcraft<br />I assume you use this boat in salt water a lot. I have ask a lot of the same questions and so far have not installed one and I will tell you why. First Salt water is hard on everything but the first thing to go is usually the Exhaust manifold and on a half system the manifold is not protected. Manifold last 4 to 6 years in salt if you always fush. Second if install where you have a closed system running engine coolent and you have a leak coolent will leak out and will have no cooling, where with a sea water system will still be cooled. Lots of advantages 1.Engine will run a little warmer and if you want could even put in highter thermostat and get a little better preformance. 2.You never have 50 degree water coming into a hot engine. 3. Can run a Heater like in a car if you want. I have ask manyhow much it help engine long term. The guy that sell engines and do not sell freshwater cooling system say, Never seen a engine rust out ever. The guys that sell cooling systems ofcourse they want to sell new engines, and it makes a big difference. One thing both agree on is better to not have really cold water coming into engine like the 50 water in the pacific ocean. I will tell you when I had a valve Job done guy at shop said not sure if they could repair with all the rust but they did and it is working fine. I know not much help but I would say this if your engine is new and never been in the salt I would go for it. If it is old like my 1980 3.0L 181 CI that seen a lot of salt I not sure it makes much sense. Let us know what you decide. Lots of places sell half systems but have not found a full system yet. Just search on freshwater cooling. You do not remove the water pump from outdrive, it still pumps sea water to the heat exchanger then out to the exhaust manifold just not into the engine. Good luck

 

[beachcraft]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 I/O engine fresh cooling system ...

Hi,<br /><br />Thanks for all advices.<br />I might not put the FWC in. I will check the manifold/riser becaue it is where the problem will be. I check some other posting, and it recommended to flush the engine w/ anti freeze that might help the engine and the manifold at the same time.<br />I believe the rusting occurs when the metal exposes to air when<br />the engine is sitting at the parking lot.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />BC

 

[Boatist]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 I/O engine fresh cooling system ...

I would not flush with antifreeze. One it not easy to do and, Two if someone dog lap up a table spoon of antifreeze You just kill him, Three when you launch all that antifreeze is going to end up in the water and some poor fisherman eating the bass he caught is going to get sick Can not do the lake or river any good. You could use non toxic antifreeze I guess. My 3.0 L OMC keeps engine and manifold fill with water to prevent oxidation and rust and I bet yours does also if you do not drain them. If you really want to help them find a way to put zincs in engine and manifold like a true Marine engine.