[C320-list] Overheating Perkins Perama M30

[Donald Poole]

First time out in my recently purchased 1994 Catalina 320 (#0047). I had
checked all fluids ( Oil, Transmission, Cooling water) before starting the
engine. The coolant was low ( I had had most of the engine hoses replaced
so I was not that surprised). After motoring about 10 minutes I noticed my
engine heating up. Rose to ~220F. I shut it down, let it cool, then
checked the coolant level again. It was low. Started the engine and added
coolant with engine running assuming I had air in the system. Once full I
recapped and continued to run. Engine crept up to 200F at a 1500-1800RPM
idle. Oh yes, I did check the raw water/exhaust discharge first and it
appeared to be fine. A good bit of warm water exiting. I had also had the
raw water pump impeller replaced when they did the hoses. Looking for
suggestions as to what to check next.

[Chris Nichols]

Have you tried a laser thermometer on different bits of the engine to see if the built in one is calibrated accurately?

Chris Nichols
Personal account

[Glen]

On a similar year C320, we had overheat problems despite new impeller.  Found a huge amount of old impeller debris blocking the screen where the hose from the water pump attaches to the heat exchanger, pulled the hose, cleaned all the debris out of hose and screen, and overheat problem quit.  However if all your hoses were replaced, I'd assume they would have found and removed any debris from the heat exchanger screen.
 
One other possibility is the heat exchanger itself being clogged by corrosion over the years and not permitting adequate flow.
 
Hope that helps.

[ams...@aol.com]

I too have a 94 with a Perkins.

After I first purchased my 320 several years ago she started to run hot and I had a similar issue with old broken impeller debris trapped in the rubber cup connection on the front side of the heat exchanger. I also had a problem with the exhaust mixing elbow . It had rusted up and the water was restricted from entering the elbow. I had to replace the elbow. While I had things disassembled I pulled the brass core out of the heat exchange and checked for clogs and cleaned it as well.

Put everything back together and it she again ran at a constant `180 degree F and still does.

I use a hand held laser temperature gauge and check it against the gauge on the boat from time to time.

Another thing you can check is the thermostat it may not be opening all the way.


Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: Glen <gma...@yahoo.com>
To: C320-List <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Sent: Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:18 pm
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Overheating Perkins Perama M30


On a similar year C320, we had overheat problems despite new impeller. Found a

uge amount of old impeller debris blocking the screen where the hose from the

ater pump attaches to the heat exchanger, pulled the hose, cleaned all the

ebris out of hose and screen, and overheat problem quit. However if all your

oses were replaced, I'd assume they would have found and removed any debris

rom the heat exchanger screen.

ne other possibility is the heat exchanger itself being clogged by corrosion

ver the years and not permitting adequate flow.

ope that helps.


From: Donald Poole <dpoo...@gmail.com>
o: C320...@catalina320.com
ent: Monday, July 9, 2012 9:33 PM
ubject: [C320-list] Overheating Perkins Perama M30
First time out in my recently purchased 1994 Catalina 320 (#0047). I had
hecked all fluids ( Oil, Transmission, Cooling water) before starting the
ngine. The coolant was low ( I had had most of the engine hoses replaced
o I was not that surprised). After motoring about 10 minutes I noticed my
ngine heating up. Rose to ~220F. I shut it down, let it cool, then
hecked the coolant level again. It was low. Started the engine and added

oolant with engine running assuming I had air in the system. Once full I

ecapped and continued to run. Engine crept up to 200F at a 1500-1800RPM

dle. Oh yes, I did check the raw water/exhaust discharge first and it

ppeared to be fine. A good bit of warm water exiting. I had also had the

aw water pump impeller replaced when they did the hoses. Looking for

[jpm...@aol.com]

We have #112 and our Perkins has always run at about 195. That is after it has been running for a awhile and with a load on it. I don't know if you have an updated alternator or anything else on your engine. Good luck, JOHN

-----Original Message-----
From: Donald Poole <dpoo...@gmail.com>

[Warren Updike]

Don't overlook the possibility that your temp gage is in error. My #62 has
always run at about 180 deg. regardless of the water temp.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"