Penta 260 heat exchanger. Flusing

Normf943

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 21, 2023
Messages
91
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Hull Identification Number
FMLC2837D919
Vessel Name
Grey Goose
I have looked carefully at the Penta engine on my 2019 c28 and was hoping to see how I could freshwater flush the heat exchanger after running in salt water. Aside from the fact that I cannot even identify the he it appears that the sea clocks need to be closed which I cannot even see in the engine compartment. Any advice?
 
I had a Groco SSC-1500, 1 1/2" engine flush kit and adapter installed on the raw water intake line directly after the strainer. I use this to connect a garden hose to a five gallon bucket of either freshwater or freshwater with some salt away added. I then start the engine and let it syphon it down. I also quickly move the hose to a second bucket and syphon that down and then cut the engine. I'll let that sit until I fire it up again at a later date. I've also used Barnacle Buster with this same method.

I know that others use systems that continuously cycle the solution through, but I think this approach helps reduce minerals and some marine growth and only takes a few minutes. Make sure that you close the sea cock when syphoning and then more importantly open it back up when you plan to start up!

I see that you are in Port Ludlow. I had Gold Star Marine in Port Townsend install the Groco for me. They are just a 45 minute run from you due north. Ask for Caleb or Kaihla. Or, Personal Message (PM) me and I would be happy to show you in more detail how it works for me. Sorry I don't have any photos handy.

Paul
 
thanks folks. That information's just what I was lookin for. One last thing. where is the seacock?I will call oldster marine PTY
 
It is located port side, directly below and slightly aft of the heat exchanger. Down near the low spot in the bildge. At least that is the location on our 2015 C28. Should be the same as your 2019.
 
Thanks Paul and Susie. I was wondering if I could drive to pt and meet you and take a look at your boat. Also I was recently at the west marine up there but was not happy with the fact that I could not get any battery advice from them. Would appreciate knowing if you would recommend someone else.
 
If you are looking for some photos of how the grocco fitting looks installed here is how I did it, and sounds like how Headlee's looks to

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=20427
 
Normf943":1sfnm2q8 said:
Thanks Paul and Susie. I was wondering if I could drive to pt and meet you and take a look at your boat. Also I was recently at the west marine up there but was not happy with the fact that I could not get any battery advice from them. Would appreciate knowing if you would recommend someone else.

Check your personal message folder. I pasted my email address there so we can coordinate.
 
Norm,
On our 2017 C28 there are two seacocks. The one to port side is for the engine heat exchanger. The one on the starboard side under the black wet exhaust is for the toilet and cockpit raw water wash down.
You need to be checking the strainers on both lines regularly. It’s amazing how fast they can plug up with sea grass, sea week and junk.
Also, as a safety issue you should be closing both seacocks any time you leave the boat while it’s in the water for an extended time. If a clamp or hose fails on those lines and the seacocks are open you could well sink the boat. For us an “extended period of time” before closing the sea cocks is when we will be away from the boat for more than 6 hours. But that time interval is a matter of your personal risk tolerance.
If you do close them when away from the boat don’t forget to open them back up before starting the engine. Checking sea cock status is in big bold red capital letters on my launch and departure checklists.
 
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