maintenance - pre-spring checks....

alteredcourse30 · Veteran Member

maintenance - pre-spring checks....

Farron Peffer · Veteran Member

Hello Jamie,

The antifreeze coolant should be changed at 750 hrs or every 2 years. Use a 33% mixture of coolant to water.

The fuel filters should be changed at 750 hrs or once a year.

It is a good idea to replace the raw water impeller at the beginning of each season.

The book calls for removal and cleaning of the tube stack at 250 hours/yearly. You can inspect the heat exchanger by removing the end caps. Only remove the o-rings if you must remove the tube stack for cleaning. Apply a light grease to the o-rings when re-installing the caps.

Manny · Newbie

Hello, Where I live a 33% antifreeze mix would not be adequate. I use 50% mix which just gives enough protection from freezing during winter layup. I notice in the mannual not to go higher than a 50/50 mix. What would happen if 60/40 (water) or higher mix was used.
Thanks

Farron Peffer · Veteran Member

Hello Manny,

Ethylene Glycol coolant does not transfer heat as efficiently as plain water.

If more then 50% antifreeze is used, over heating will result.

alteredcourse30 · Veteran Member

just to clarify..should I remove the tube stack for inspection yet?...the engine was installed july 2010, and has about 60hrs on it....

it is a bit of a cumbersome job due to possible removal of kitchen and the highrise exhaust elbow (from westerbeke?)..that isblocking the tubestack access....not the best design but this is on a cat30.....is there another way to do this so the maint. for this part is more covenient....

would your recommend waiting till next year or 250 hrs....??

What am I inspecting for / should see upon removal ?

thx

Jame

Farron · Senior Member

Hello Jamie,

Provided you are not over heating and with only 60 hrs on the engine, I would not go into the tube stack.

When the end covers are removed you will see the ends of the tube stack.

If debris has found its way to the heat exchanger it will most likely be stopped at the transmission end of the heat exchanger. Removing only the cap on the transmission end should allow you to clear debris or remove a failed impeller fin without draining the coolant or removing the tube stack itself.

If build up or blockage is evident you may want to remove the stack and caps and soak in white vinigar overnight to clean them.

New o-rings will be required for reassembly.

alteredcourse30 · Veteran Member

thank you for the info...I have had a lot of other cat 30 owners ask questions about the beta install,..and I have said lots of positive things...what I have wondered about is why beta doesnt use beta highrise exhaust elbow...- I was supplied a westerbeke brand one...(from Joe at SoundMarine) who was great with all details and questions I had!...but does beta not have a design that would facilitate the necessary access to the tube stack...or is it "standard" in the Cat30 application to have to remove the exhaust / high rise parts to access the tube stack for the checks....

thx

jamie

Farron · Senior Member

Hello Jamie,

Due to the limited height of the motor compartment in the Catalina 30 the Beta Highrise Exhaust will not fit without extensive modification to the structure.