We had a leaking heat exchanger so the old one was removed and brought to a radiator shop to be tested. It did in fact leak, however it was leaking in a place that would have required disassembling the heat exchanger to get to it to make the repair. After getting the estimate to do the repair it made more sense to buy a new one. When looking at the parts list to get the part number to order the new heat exchanger, I noticed a part called Heat Exchanger mount pad part number 303147.
When I took off the old one I noticed that the space between the engine block and the heat exchanger was very dirty, a dirt spot that was about 1/4 of an inch. I was going to scrap it off when I installed the new part. That must have been the old deteriorated mount pad.
The question is has anyone who recently changed their heat exchanger replaced the pad, or did you just not bother. If not, has the absence of the pad adversely affected the operation of the heat exchanger. It cost only about $6.00 for the part but the shipping cost is more than the cost of the part.
Wondering if it is vital to the operation of the heat exchanger so I should keep looking for it.
Thanks
Jules Cardin
Catharsis
1995 Catalina MKll
Marion, MA
Jules,
I don't think you need the "official" replacement pads, but you need something between the H/E and its brackets. Simply tightening the brackets won't work. If you don't install some type of gasket material or padding, the vibration of the engine will eventually wear a hole in the H/E, and then you'd be faced with buying a new H/E. I've seen cork, rubber, and other types of gasket material used. A couple of layers of electrical tape won't work, BTW. I've see that before, too! Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Jules
I recently had my HX off for a bracket repair and found the pad to be in the same condition as yours. I cut a piece out of a silicon hot pad as a replacement, the type used to protect a counter top from a pan off the stove. It was about 1/8 thick. I’ve also heard of people using pieces of inner tube but the silicon will withstand heat better.
Gary Smith
93 MK I, Hull #1231
Std rig; wing keel
M35A Oberdorfer conversion
I had mine off not too long ago and didn't notice a pad. Ah but now I see you have a MkII so therefore an M35 engine .... mine's an M25. [helpful to have the engine model in your sig]
Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA
Thanks for the information. Did not think about the issue vibration could cause. I will find a silicon pad and use that. Easy solution.
Jules Cardin
Catharsis
1995 Catalina MKll
Marion, MA