TEST DAY

 Modified a radiator tester in order to test this heat exchanger worth about $4500. I eventually pumped it up to 7 PSI and five hours later it is holding steady. I made the two white plugs/ stoppers on a lathe. Sure glad it isn't leaking!

Heat exchanger

 Cleaned up the heat exchanger, I used a lime buster liquid and let it sit for a few hours. Came out nice. I flushed it in hot water. There is a weird soft gasket at the ends that is 100 bucks on line! I found a similar material and will make my own. The next step is to pressure test it. I purchased a radiator pressure tester and modified it with fittings and made two soft plastic cups to imitate the rad hoses. I will pump it up to a few PSI and wait. If pressure drops, I'll do a soapy water test to find leaks. It is extremely cold here so no work n the boat this week.  

MOTOR WORK CON"T

 The centre cylinder on my 3 cylinder diesel Yanmar powered generator was not firing. I had a mechanic check it out. No joy! I pulled the head, the exhaust valve and surrounding area was thick with carbon deposits. The valve couldn't close. I recall the old guy I bought it off saying he would start it up and run it a few hours every year. (He never took the boat anywhere.) I think that is why, diesels need to work, they need a load.He wasn't running anything like the AC.  I cleaned it all up and used clover compound on the valve seat. It didn't take much. I set the head upside down and poured alcohol onto the valves of all three cylinders, an hour later the little puddles were still there. So I reassembled the motor and gave it a quick test start, it tried to run but I stopped it. The boat is on the hard, that will do till spring. I think it is good. Starter motor is back on the Cummin's 5.9 All wiring back in place, I left the heat exchanger off and I'm going to soak it in Lime remover for a time. Next up is the new Raymarine AutoPilot, That is going to be interesting. Meanwhile I'm building a dingy lift in my garage. FUN!