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Salt & Tar: Ep.317- Losing Our Cool
November 27, 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.Watch 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.15:16 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.16:28 The engine runs successfully, though a minor leak persists at a raw water fitting.21:23 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.5:16 Thorough cleaning of the cooling manifold is essential when replacing a heat exchanger to prevent immediate clogging of the new unit.
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