Meltdown....

[greeninbetween]

On my 2012 R21-EC with the Yanmar, there is a bulkhead in the engine compartment between the battery bank and the engine. There are various electrical components mounted on it, the coolant overflow tank, and the rubber exhaust hose passes through the bulkhead. I recently noticed that the bulkhead, which appears to be made of a plastic-like material (Star board?), has distorted considerably. My engine is not overheating and the two engine box vents are clear. Has anyone experienced this on their Tug, and what did you do to correct the situation? Any suggestions for a more durable and heat resistant replacement material? I am almost considering some ducted fresh air into the compartment to drop the temperature down a bit.

 

[johnniethek]

I had the same thing happen, and eventually had the manufacturer replace the part.

It didn't result in any malfunction, but it sure looked like it could. If they were going to continue the R-21 EC, they should change the material to something that doesn't eventually melt.

But that boat is no longer being made, so that isn't like to occur.

 

[Stevan47]

Hi guys: my Tug is a 2009/2010 model and I believe the 'bulkhead' material is HDPE (high density polyethylene) which is used widely in food manufacturing equipment, fluid storage and in the manufacture of various framework where timber is likely to come into contact with moisture and heat. It also is excellent for use as kitchen chopping boards, bait slicing boards on the boat and other handy workshop projects. I have lots of off-cuts in my shed for use around home. Generally, from my experience, HDPE is not too affected by the sort of heat which is generated within our engine compartment, even in hot climates. I could be wrong about the HDPE material of course, so it might be wise to get an answer on this from Ranger themselves. Kind regards

 

[Two killicks]

Mine is slightly warped too, I read here about a fellow tugger who made a custom replacement board out of marine plywood.