S3, Ep25 Cooling System Service: The Value of a Sea Strainer
16 June 2025 · 18 min · 148 views
What this video covers
The crew of the Irwin sailboat *Into the Mystic* performs a major engine cooling system overhaul after discovering the heat exchanger, intercooler, and oil cooler were completely impacted with seagrass. The vessel lacked an inline sea strainer, allowing debris to bypass the intake and clog the cooling components. To access the seawater pump for a full rebuild, the engine required lifting at one corner to remove a motor mount, a task accomplished using a ratchet strap and a support board after an attempt to use an inflatable football as a jack failed. The repair includes fabricating custom brass rods and gaskets for a salvaged sea strainer to prevent future blockages. Additionally, the crew plans to relocate engine gauges from the engine compartment to the helm for better monitoring. The project also involves replacing coolant temp sensors and servicing the exhaust system. Installing a sea strainer provides a simple, accessible point to clear ocean debris before it reaches the engine’s internal cooling passages.
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