Cooling System

The cooling system is an essential part of your engine, and one of the most overlooked. However a small malfunction in your cooling system can completely destroy your engine, and a few simple checks can be all that is needed to keep it running.

The sea cock should be opened before starting the engine.

Raw water enters the system and is sucked up to the water strainer where small particles are filtered out.

From the strainer it enters the water pump which is driven by the engine.

It is then pumped through the heat exchanger where it absorbs heat from the engine coolant and, in turn, the engine.

Next it is injected into the exhaust to keep the exhaust system cool and is ejected with the exhaust gasses.

It is essential to maintain the cooling system.

Checks should be as follows:

• Sea cocks must be turned on before starting the engine. If it is not, the impeller in the water pump will be damaged and will need replacing.
• Sea cocks must be closed when leaving the vessel or if servicing any part of the system.
• Check and clean the strainer daily if in use.
  

After starting the engine check that the raw water is exiting the vessel with the exhaust fumes. If it is not, switch off the engine and check the raw water sea cock is open and the strainer is clean.