Is it ever too late to add FWC to an engine?

[dannieboiz]

I found a complete 350 engine that was recently rebuild it has less than 20 hours on it but it currently doesn't have FWC. Since I'm using it mainly in salt I would like to add FWC to it. I heard that FWC are not recommended for older engine that's been in salt since there's probably already salt damaged already internally. Along with the FWC I already have a Neutra Salt kit that I'm going to put in with the system.

 

[Don S]

Re: Is it ever too late to add FWC to an engine?

Manufacturers recomment 125 hours or 1 year. Whichever comes first.
If it has 20 hours and been used for 3 or 4 years, forget it. The rust in the block may flake off and clog the heat exchanger on the side you can't clean.
I have installed about a dozen FWC systems to older engines for customers that wanted to take the chance. About 50% didn't work out.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Is it ever too late to add FWC to an engine?

The general rule is once the engine has been run in salt water, then the damage is done. Salt gets into the iron and continues to rust and flake off, plugging the heat exchanger.

I believe there is a recommended "cut off" time - if you do it before then, then you may be okay. I unfortunately do not know how long is "okay."

EDIT - Don beat me to it.

 

[dannieboiz]

Re: Is it ever too late to add FWC to an engine?

The engine was a fresh water used only engine prior to the rebuild. After the rebuild a few months ago it was ran in the bay for about an hour or two. The engine is coming from one of the mechanic in a very big boat yard here where I am he guarantees that he flushed it properly as it was installed on his personal boat. I looked around the engine and it seems to have very very minimal rust which I'm confident to trust him that it was a fresh water engine.

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/9306/20100927112511.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4421/20100927112517.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8586/20100927112532.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/7510/20100927112544.jpg


EDIT: PLEASE resize your pictures to 640 pixals max width or leave them as links.
Don S

 

[Don S]

Re: Is it ever too late to add FWC to an engine?

We can only give you information, you get to make the choice.

 

[Aloysius]

Re: Is it ever too late to add FWC to an engine?

I've found that Chevrolets cast iron is more susceptible to rusting from exposure to salt water than Fords...different metallurgy. As such, I wouldn't convert a Chevy. I DID convert a small block Ford after 20 years, but I also cleaned all the block and heads internally with salt away and a pressure cleaner. It will never be like a block that has never seen salt, though.

The advantage for me is being able to run the engine at a hotter temperature.