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Salt & Tar: Ep.317- Losing Our Cool
27 November 2025 · 25 min · 43K views · Puerto Escondido, Baja California Sur
What this video covers
Garrett and Ruth replace the heat exchanger on their early 1980s diesel engine while docked in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.0:12 After discovering significant sludge and debris inside the cooling manifold, Garrett decides to disassemble and clean the system rather than performing a superficial repair.9:20 He sources a replacement heat exchanger from Mr. Cool for approximately half the cost of the original unit.2:16 The installation requires replacing multiple gaskets and addressing corrosion-related leaks, which Garrett manages using RTV sealant.15:22 After sourcing necessary hose barbs, clamps, and oil from a local shop in Loreto, the crew refills the cooling system and performs an oil change.18:36 The engine runs successfully, though a minor leak persists at a raw water fitting.21:25 The project serves as a temporary measure to ensure engine reliability for a coastal transit to a boatyard in Penasco, where the crew plans a full engine overhaul.5:19 Thorough cleaning of the cooling manifold is essential when replacing a heat exchanger to prevent immediate clogging of the new unit.10:16
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