Beta 25 heat exchanger tube stack removal - help please

[hunter323]

I am servicing the above engine for first time having bought the yacht recently and I find that I am unable to remove the heat exchanger tube stack - I suppose deposits have been left inside and will not allow it to be slid out as the handbook suggests. Any advice or help to overcome this problem would be gratefully appreciated

 

[alahol2]

The first time I did mine on my 13HP I had the same problem. A few points, remove both end covers, ensure you have got both 'O' rings out. Use a block of wood resting on the centre casting of the tube stack and tap with a hammer. May need to tap at front and back to get it to move. I used the handle of a screwdriver to sit in the circular centre casting as a drift. If you clean every year it doesn't get stuck. Make sure you put it back the right way round.

 

[WoodyP]

It shouldn't be too tough to remove the unit, it may just be a case of overcoming the O ring. One tip learnt by bitter experience is not too overtighten the bronze or brass bolt that holds it in, it shears, and when you start the engine you wonder why the boat is filling up with water!

I replaced with a stainless bolt, having talked to Adrian at Beta first, which is probably the best thing you can do if you continue to have a problem. He is always very helpful, or has been on the few occasions that I phoned.
Cheers.

 

[LittleSister]

The first time I did mine on my 13HP I had the same problem. A few points, remove both end covers, ensure you have got both 'O' rings out. Use a block of wood resting on the centre casting of the tube stack and tap with a hammer. May need to tap at front and back to get it to move.

+1

 

[Pye_End]

The first time I did mine on my 13HP I had the same problem. A few points, remove both end covers, ensure you have got both 'O' rings out. Use a block of wood resting on the centre casting of the tube stack and tap with a hammer. May need to tap at front and back to get it to move. I used the handle of a screwdriver to sit in the circular centre casting as a drift. If you clean every year it doesn't get stuck. Make sure you put it back the right way round.

Same here, except I do mine every 2 years without too much grief.

I wonder if you leave one end in and tighten it whether it then draws the stack to loosen it.

 

[LittleSister]

I wonder if you leave one end in and tighten it whether it then draws the stack to loosen it.

Possibly, might be worth a try if it's seriously stuck. But I wouldn't just leave the end in, as you'd be trying to force against the O-ring. Better to remove the end cap, remove the O-ring, replace end cap and then tighten to see if it draws the stack.

 

[alahol2]

I wonder if you leave one end in and tighten it whether it then draws the stack to loosen it.

I don't think it would because the end cap doesn't seat on the casing of the exchanger, it slides into it. The only things that locate the stack and two end caps in the barrel of the exchanger are the two 'O' rings being forced outward onto the barrel when squeezed between the end caps and the stack.