Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

I've got a friend with a 38 Powerplay & twin 502's. He is interested in converting to a closed cooling system and I would want to recommend the best. What is the concensus here for making that conversion and who has the best customer support for doing so. Not looking for the cheapest, but truly the most reliable way to run his boat in salt or brakish waters.

Thanks!

David
832.620.1190

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

I have a closed cooling set from a Keith Eickert motor - I think most of the parts are with it - you will have to do some of your own fabrication - best part of this it is Cheap! $ 500.00 and I can send picks of what I have
571-259-4056

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

james id like to see some pic also, thx ratman, pm me

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

Depending on hp. You may be able to use the Merc. setup and send raw water to the manifolds. How much Horspower are you intending ? There is a company on Long Island NY that makes custom kits for big power. I like flushing them instead. I have some Merc, FWC stuff. BBB

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

I have been running the original Merc closed cooling system. I had it on my 454 magnum, now I have it on my N.A. 540. No problems at all, plus it was a nice easy clean install.

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

check mate what components does the entire system consist of. how is it plumbed? thx, ratman

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

Hi ! Hey Checkmate , what t-stat are you running if any ? Is that a tall deck motor? , If that works good, I can't see why I won't do it too ! I have to have enough stuff to Fwc 4 BBC's. I have a 650-675hp bowtie 540, And am willing to try it out as long as I don't fry the motor ! BBB :(

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

ratman,
The plumbing is fairly simple. The engine is completely sealed. The seapump pumps water through the oil coolers, then thru the heat exchanger, lastly out the headers. The kit from Merc consists of everything you need. The exchanger, hoses, brackets, hardware, thermistat and housing. If you want, I can take a close up picture and post it.

BBB,
My motor is standard deck height, aluminum heads, 540 cu in, 680 h.p. I have a 170* thermistat. It never runs above 180*.

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

Thanks Checkmate ! I'm real interested in seing more pics. too. BBB

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

I hope these help answer a few questions. If you want some other shots, let me know. The only problem is that the motor is somewhat apart right now. I have the headers, carb belt off for the winter.

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

one more....

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

One suggestion for those installing CC. Install raw water pressure gages at the same time. Reason being, if you loose raw water flow (impeller) it won't over heat the engine quickly, which means if no pressure gages, you could run quite some time with no water flow out the exhaust. This would fry your exhaust, particularly if aluminum. I need to add pressure gages this winter so I can stop the worrying about my KE exhaust. I have nothing but good things to say about running CC.

BT :cool:

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

BT,
You are right about that. I did install a guage just after my seapump for that reason.

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

How did you do that checkmate? Is there a kit or something?

BT

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

BT,
Yes, Mercury sells a complete kit. I got it from Bam a few years back when my boat was new. I am still amazed at how the system that is designed to cool a stock 454 was able to cool my worked 540. I was very worried about that last winter when I assembled this new motor, but as I said, it gave me no troubles at all. Here is the link for the parts breakdown from Bam. I dont see the entire kit listed under one part number. I remember when I ordered it, Mark from Bam was able to get the part # for the complete kit.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...COOLING+SYSTEM


Vinny

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

Did you get the pressure transducer and such from BAM checkmate? I don't see any of that in the exploded view you attached.

Dave

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

Dave,
No, I used a Livorsi guage and sender. I got it from Teague. They have a nice stainless 'T' that can be spliced into the 1 1/4" raw water line. It allows for placement of the sender for the guage. I had room to mount it just after the seapump, before the coolers.

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

Thanks Vinny, I'll check it out.

Dave

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

Checkmate, What oil coolers did you use on the 540?
I was going to buy one of those Hardin marine 3" od 28" long, with the t-stat ($500). I like the fwc because the oil will be hotter. Also stock oil coolers aren't really enough for a high perf motor, even a worked 454. Where are you at on LI. Maybe if I'm lucky enough I can see your setup when the weather gets better. Thanks, BBB

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

BBB,
Believe it or not, I am running the stock coolers that were on my 454 Magnum. During the season, I keep the boat at Al Grovers in FreePort. The boat comes home and spends the winter in my garage. I live in Fresh Meadows. Just north of exit 25 on the L.I.E. You are welcome to take a look when you want.

Vinny

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

I have two Mercury heat exchangers that i took off of a pair of 454 magnums.They appear to be in excellent condition.Contact me at [email protected] if you have an interest

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

I have seen large heat exchangers mounted under the engine or mounted on the stringers in front of the engine but I do not have room for either of those setups.

I think checkmate had the right idea with the Merc kit. I know Marc at BAM has some experience with custom FWC systems on large engines also.

Does anyone know if Merc offered the 540 Bulldog with FWC? I know that Innovation had a top mount heat exchanger they put on the Volvo 540/600hp engine.

Re: Need Info on Converting to Closed Cooling
 

Viper,
I have never seen a Bulldog Mercury kit. I am sure that the kit I have would work fine for a Bulldog.