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-   -   Closed cooling for engines over1000hp (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/368600-closed-cooling-engines-over1000hp.html)

Mbam 09-27-2020 08:22 AM

I first put closed cooling in my Cigarette back in the early 80's after losing my first set of heads to saltwater. I lived in Chicago at the time but the boat spent winters in Florida. Only had 800 hp at the time. To be honest I didn't do the math as far as sizing but put in the biggest heat exchangers I could fit (6" x 30" ) knowing I would wind up with more power. I mounted them in front of the rear engine.

The expansion tank is visible on the forward bulkhead. This pic is from early 90's when I had 1000 hp blower motors ps they ran on 89 octane. Water temp would hold at whatever the thermostat regardless of speed.
I'll see if I can find some better pictures.

The benefits of closed cooling are way more than the lack or corrosion:
  • Constant block pressure with glycol raises boiling point - helps control steam pockets
  • Constant block temp
  • Non aerated water in block removes heat better - see above
  • Unrestricted water flow through oil coolers and exhaust
Later in life I did some more projects, all closed cooled.

I still have a pair of big heat exchangers at the shop. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...95550baab8.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...76a3cf7eb0.jpg

Michigan City poker run


BLAD 09-27-2020 08:59 AM

Hey Mark were you able to run a reg merc seapump on that setup or did it require a two or three stage pump?

Mbam 09-27-2020 09:33 AM

At the time there really weren't any multistage around. I was going to build something but never got around to it. My other idea was a much larger sea pump and slow the rpm down on it.

I wound up lowering my transom water pickups so I had pressure at speed. I measured the pressure at the header feed tube. That's all that really matters with the closed system.

I am sure I lost a few MPH in the process. Today I would run either a multi-stage or bigger pump for sure. Also I would plumb the water system with 1 1/4 pipe (1 1/2" hose) instead of 1" (1 1/4" hose)

seafordguy 09-27-2020 09:40 AM


Originally Posted by Mbam (Post 4759042)
I first put closed cooling in my Cigarette back in the early 80's after losing my first set of heads to saltwater. I lived in Chicago at the time but the boat spent winters in Florida. Only had 800 hp at the time. To be honest I didn't do the math as far as sizing but put in the biggest heat exchangers I could fit (6" x 30" ) knowing I would wind up with more power. I mounted them in front of the rear engine.

The expansion tank is visible on the forward bulkhead. This pic is from early 90's when I had 1000 hp blower motors ps they ran on 89 octane. Water temp would hold at whatever the thermostat regardless of speed.
I'll see if I can find some better pictures.

The benefits of closed cooling are way more than the lack or corrosion:
  • Constant block pressure with glycol raises boiling point - helps control steam pockets
  • Constant block temp
  • Non aerated water in block removes heat better - see above
  • Unrestricted water flow through oil coolers and exhaust
Later in life I did some more projects, all closed cooled.

I still have a pair of big heat exchangers at the shop. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...95550baab8.jpg

Michigan City poker run

Great picture of a runaway dinghy navigating through the marina in the background......

Mbam 09-27-2020 09:43 AM

I think it was being towed lol

Rookie 09-27-2020 09:55 AM


Originally Posted by Fresh (Post 4758254)
All I seen is closed cooling for up to 600hp. Is there closed cooling systems for a 1200hp supercharged motor?

I might have a similar heat exchanger to Mbams at the shop. How many are you looking for?

Fresh 09-27-2020 10:57 AM

Thanks for all the info great project and many benefits. Thanks for the pictures. What do you think rhe percentage of people with high hp motors running closed cooling?

87MirageIntruder 09-28-2020 04:34 PM

I keep looking at Bam's picture and I still can't see a runaway dinghy or a heat exchanger!

beerock 09-28-2020 05:17 PM

I really want to do this to my 1200hp blower motors I also hear you gain a bit of power and fuel efficiency

scippy 12-16-2022 08:26 PM


Originally Posted by 14 apache (Post 4758595)
look on eBay flat plate coolers have a set on 1200hp turbo motors and na960hp 10x20” around 50 plate.

14 apache..........The flat plate exchanger (cooler) seems like a great alternative to the shell & tube exchanger typically used on closed cooling systems.
There many times less the size and many times cheaper............do you still operate with a flat plate exchanger?.....Seems the way to go since a hi perf
closed cooling system by Monitor or PPT is far more expensive and there backordered till spring.............any picture you can share?


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