Heat exchanger replacement on Crusader 454

[Bertramp]

So....
Bought a new heat exchanger.
Replaced the other side about a year ago, had mechanics do the switch on that one.
New one is exact to the previously replaced one.
I'm in FL for the weekend.
Can any jerk (specifically this jerk) do the swap, or is there some magic that I should be aware of ?
Thanks

[Navatech]

So....
Bought a new heat exchanger.
Replaced the other side about a year ago, had mechanics do the switch on that one.
New one is exact to the previously replaced one.
I'm in FL for the weekend.
Can any jerk (specifically this jerk) do the swap, or is there some magic that I should be aware of ?
Thanks

Any monkey (i.e. not necessarily a grease monkey) can do the job... You're basically going to have the cooling medium (seawater) in and out (2 hoses and 4 clips) and the cooled medium (coolant, oil, fuel, whatever) in and out (2 hoses and 4 clips) and the physical support of the heat exchanger (most probably 2 "U" bolts)...

If you can wait a week or two until i'm back in the US I'd be quite happy to drive a couple of miles to Ft. Lauderdale and help you out...

[Charlie J]

steve
piece of cake
exchanger should sit on a L bracket with 2 bolts holding it
drain the saltwater, and the coolent
remove hoses, and change out
after new one is in place put hoses back on
remember to refill coolent and let the engine run with the cap off
for awhile

[TailhookTom]

Steve:

I'm confident you can get it done easily....even if you are a........hippie.

Tom

[Bertramp]

Yeah ... it looks pretty straight forward .... I will inform of results.
Thanks for the votes of confidence.

[Navatech]

Yeah ... it looks pretty straight forward .... I will inform of results.
Thanks for the votes of confidence.

One thing, the hoses should fit quite tightly and they may have gotten "stuck" on the "nipples" that are part of the heat exchanger... Especially if the "nipple" has a "ridge"... Do NOT fall for the temptation to shove a flat screwdriver to "unstuck" them... That should be your method of last resort... Try to twist them off the "nipple"... Go first one way and then the other if they're "stubborn"... A squirt of penetrating oil can be helpful...

When it's time to put the hoses back on use water as the preferred lubricant and twist the hose back onto the "nipple"... Do NOT use liquid soap or some such as the lubricant for this... It will dry up and "weld" the hose to the "nipple"...

[Tony Meola]

Steve

That is one of the least complicated jobs. Check the hoses to see if you need to replace them. Now would be the time.

[Bertramp]

"Nav" - Thanks for the comment regarding not yielding to the temptation of a flat screwdriver.
Tony - All hoses will get a check and change as needed.

Thanks guys

Just a note .... again LENCO Coolers (631) 842-4049 .... hooked me up.
Great folks !!

[neil]

Steve,I think that even I could do it so you should be fine

[Carl]

Worst case scenario, you find you hate the job and call someone in to finish.

No harm, no foul.


Usually the hardest part of that job is getting started.

[White Bear]

Depending on how long it may have been since the last service, you may be further ahead in terms of time and effort by replacing the hoses rather than straining with and trying to save the old ones.

[Bertramp]

Depending on how long it may have been since the last service, you may be further ahead in terms of time and effort by replacing the hoses rather than straining with and trying to save the old ones.

I thought the same ..... great minds from the East End think alike.....although my exact thought was "it's good to replace the hoses and I'm lazy, so removing old will be a pain in butt"

[Tony Meola]

Steve

I am with White Bear. I originally thought the same thing, but figured I would not spend your money for you since I am sure others in your family do quite well in helping you spend it. LOL

[Rawleigh]

Get yourself one of these. Incredibly useful tool!

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4521-Hose-Re ... moval+tool

[Tooeez]

If you run into a problem I'm not that far away, would be glad to help. And, I when I replace a hose I put a smear of vasaline on the inside of the hose. I don't care how long its' on after that, a little twist and it comes right off. Works great on bolts too.