Fresh water cooling?

[Jim Marshall]

I have an older Ford 302 that I was contemplating adding fresh water cooling. I noticed when I rebuilt everything that there was a lot of rust on the interior and water pump. I suspect it is from the process of going from wet to dry when draining it. I run occasionally in salt water making sure to flush it out. I can also see advantage in not having to drain the engine.

I was wondering what the advantages are and if it is worth the effort? Are the conversion kits adequate?

Jim

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Fresh water cooling?

Your engine is is too old for a coversion.....
The spec for that is 100 hours or one year, I believe.....
Internal corrosion will clog the heat exchanger.....

 

[Jim Marshall]

Re: Fresh water cooling?

Haut Medoc.

I had the engine rebuilt and I believe they "boiled" the block and heads out. I am replacing the water pump with a new one. I scoured out the inside of the thermostat housing. The only thing that has not been cleaned is the exhaust manifold which I believe still circulates raw water.

I can see what you mean about the age and internal condition. Would this still hold with a rebuilding as described?

Jim

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Fresh water cooling?

I just bought a new 5.7 engine and was wanting to put freshwater cooling on it.

I was told by two different people/marinas that if your boat gets the raw water from the outdrive you shouldnt do it. They said onlyengines that have a raw water pump on the engine should.

I dont know if this is bs or not because I see kits designed especially for my setup. 5.7 OMC Cobra.

Just something to think about.

 

[Jim Marshall]

Re: Fresh water cooling?

Mine has the water pump on the engine. I agree with you, why would it make a difference?

Jim

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Fresh water cooling?

They told me that the out drive pump doesn't supply enough water or something like that.

I see half and full systems for my exact setup though so I dunno. Maybe I just caught 2 people that theyre opinion is its not good although you can do it.

I would really like to know because I have anew engine and run 100% in salt water.