Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

[sdoomaha]

We pressure tested the coolant side of the 4" heat exchanger...loosing pressure, so I now know where the coolant I am loosing is going...apparently a leaking tube in the heat exchanger since it is not leaking out through either end cap. Local radiator shops won't touch it.

Been watching ebay...but don't want to buy a new one. Hear mention there are hundreds of the 470s laying around nobody wants. Anyone know a reputable "used marine parts" business I might be able to reach out to?

Local marina's want more for a used than what you can buy new for on ebay.

I realize it's a "crap shoot" with used you may be moving from one bad part to another, but I figure as long as I pressure test and take it to have it boiled if appears to have build up in it....hope to be OK.

I am aware of all of the problems with the 470, but I have an attachment to the boat and rebuilt the motor 4 years ago. Would like to keep it on the water.

Reccomendations?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

What do you consider "too much" to pay, for a new one?

Here is a new one for $350...:

http://www.aaamarine.com/servlet/the-259/MC312-MerCruiser-470-4"/Detail

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

There is an old-timer on eBay...that has always done me good on used boat parts...sharkattack52.

Give him a holler...!

 

[Zackman]

Re: Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

Why not take it to a local radiator shop and see if they can repair yours?

 

[sdoomaha]

Re: Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

Thanks Rocky Road, I'll look him up. How much is too much? I'm not sure yet. If it ends up being $350 than so be it...but like many of us....if I can save same $$$ on one, that pays for more days out on the water.

Zackman, thank you for the response, but as mentioned in the post, no local radiator shops I have visited with (6 to date) want to touch it. The only guy that offered to try was going to cut it in half, locate the leaking tube, repair it and weld it back together. Same price as buying new. I'm not opposed to shipping it somewhere for repairs if you know someone in your area willing to tackle it.

Thanks again...I'll follow up with the lead and any others that come recommended.

Take care,

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

I just noticed that you have a 1984 Cheetah!

My 470 is in a 1985 Cheetah 180. Always wanted to learn more about this boat...what do you know? I really love the boat...which is why it is still here.

My 470 had just had all new gaskets, new gimbal bearing, the cam sleeved, total outdrive rebuild. Third time out, I let it overheat (my fault)...and she blew the head gasket. The engine hydrolocked, and I have yet to tear into it and see just how bad it is. I also have the complete alternator setup in the box...for when the stator/regulator quit!

 

[a1nowell]

Re: Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

Try www.breezeworks.com this strickly a M/C 470 parts shop and forum.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

Try www.breezeworks.com this strickly a M/C 470 parts shop and forum.

Good site! Thanks a1!

 

[sdoomaha]

Re: Need a 470 heat exchanger - Reccomendations?

Rocky, nice looking Cheetah. I'm not good at uploading pics etc rest assured they look very similar...but yours looks better than mine: )

Researched Cheetah several years ago when I first got mine, and if memory serves they were built in Tennessee, but didn't last beyond the late 80s.

"Upgraded" to the Caravelle which I really enjoy, but the Cheetah is still quicker than the Caravelle and has lots more memories. Hopefully can keep her on the water for quite a while to come.

Take care and good luck with yours.