catalinajack
Guru
First, I searched and searched and was unable to find a definitive answer as to how many years of use before a heat exchanger should be replaced. Yes, I am aware that they can be cleaned and pressure tested. But, here is my concern with pressure testing even if I could find a local shop that still offers this service.
So, the unit is tested and it holds pressure but how can one possibly know how close the unit is too blowing a hole somewhere? In other words, integrity may be marginal, on the edges of failure, with no way of knowing that it is marginal because the unit holds pressure at the moment of testing. So, given this premise, that pressure testing is of dubious value, how many years use before replacement? I am guessing that I will get many anecdotes which can be valuable information. Unlike oil coolers, these are not inexpensive items. My boat is 36 years old and maintenance records (incomplete) do not show that they have ever been replaced. I have already replaced the oil coolers.
So, the unit is tested and it holds pressure but how can one possibly know how close the unit is too blowing a hole somewhere? In other words, integrity may be marginal, on the edges of failure, with no way of knowing that it is marginal because the unit holds pressure at the moment of testing. So, given this premise, that pressure testing is of dubious value, how many years use before replacement? I am guessing that I will get many anecdotes which can be valuable information. Unlike oil coolers, these are not inexpensive items. My boat is 36 years old and maintenance records (incomplete) do not show that they have ever been replaced. I have already replaced the oil coolers.