Should I convert to fresh water cooling?

[Captain Ollie West]

I will soon be mooring my boat in salt water in Ilwaco Wa. I guess it is more brackish as it is located within the mouth of the Columbia river. The motor is a 1981 Mercruiser (pre-Alpha) 260 (350ci Chevrolet). The motor and manifolds are probably close to 20 years old. The boat spent most of the last 20 years moored in fresh water.

Should I consider converting to fresh water cooling? Thank you in advance for your input.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Should I convert to fresh water cooling?

I will soon be mooring my boat in salt water in Ilwaco Wa. I guess it is more brackish as it is located within the mouth of the Columbia river. The motor is a 1981 Mercruiser (pre-Alpha) 260 (350ci Chevrolet). The motor and manifolds are probably close to 20 years old. The boat spent most of the last 20 years moored in fresh water.

Should I consider converting to fresh water cooling? Thank you in advance for your input.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...... Yer motor's awfully old to put that kinda money into,....

Pull yer risers, clean, 'n inspect the gasket surfaces,....
If they're acceptable, run 'em,...
If not, replace 'em now,...

as for the motor,... it'll wear out, before it rots out,....

 

[Captain Ollie West]

Re: Should I convert to fresh water cooling?

Thank you for the quick response.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Should I convert to fresh water cooling?

I will soon be mooring my boat in salt water in Ilwaco Wa. I guess it is more brackish as it is located within the mouth of the Columbia river. The motor is a 1981 Mercruiser (pre-Alpha) 260 (350ci Chevrolet). The motor and manifolds are probably close to 20 years old. The boat spent most of the last 20 years moored in fresh water.

Should I consider converting to fresh water cooling? Thank you in advance for your input.

Agree with Bondo and will add, if it was on a trailer during most of it's life, then totally agree.

If it sat in the water during those season and only was pulled out during winter, or if never pulled out, I would suggest replacing the manifolds and elbows.

 

[Captain Ollie West]

Re: Should I convert to fresh water cooling?

Thank you.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Should I convert to fresh water cooling?

OTOH,

if you're considering replacing the engine, manifolds and risers, ABSOLUTELY install (full) closed cooling!

Regards,


Rick