Bowman header tank heat exchanger wanted.

[stuhaynes]

I did post the same request some months ago for a friend of mine. We were able to get one locally as it happens, now his other one has failed! Anybody got one for sale? I'm currently waiting for a response from Bowman, but obviously a s/h one will be cheaper.

 

[LittleShip]

It maybe a stupid question but what has actually failed, surely it can be repaired at less cost than a new one.

Tom

 

[stuhaynes]

It maybe a stupid question but what has actually failed, surely it can be repaired at less cost than a new one.

Tom

Hi Tom

I don't think that the engine has ever had antifreeze in it. The cap ends of this one are cast iron and have rotted away. A central barrier on the pipe in/out end no longer directs water from the raw water pump through the cooling matrix, instead, the water passes straight through and into the exhaust.

I've sent these pictures to Bowman to see what they suggest.

Cheers, Stu

 

[LittleShip]

Dont really understand the problem but the Matrix is renewable. If it frost damage or rot it still maybe possible to have it repaired by a fabrication shop but it will probably be better to get a new one due to the costs involved.

http://www.ejbowman.co.uk/pdf/header.pdf

Good luck

Tom

 

[scottie]

Try lancing marine

 

[stuhaynes]

Dont really understand the problem but the Matrix is renewable. If it frost damage or rot it still maybe possible to have it repaired by a fabrication shop but it will probably be better to get a new one due to the costs involved.

http://www.ejbowman.co.uk/pdf/header.pdf

Good luck

Tom

Hi Tom

On this particular heat exchanger the raw water inlet and outlet are at the same end of the h/ex. The inlet / outlet is through a circular end flange which is cast iron and the water flow is seperated by a sort of blanking piece in the casting. This seperator forces raw water through the cooling grid and then the flow goes back to the end of the h/ex and out through the exhaust. The big problem is that the 'seperator' has rotted through, allowing raw water to run directly out of the h/ex without going through the cooling pipes. Hence the overheating.

I'm still waiting for Bowman to respond. If they can provide a new end cap it should solve the problem. I've noticed that on newer Bowman h/ex's the (raw water) inlet is on one end and the outlet is at the other. I'm not at all sure that they will still stock the right end.

 

[Heat Exchanger Guy]

Stu, I know this is an old thread and I assume they have responded by now but in case anyone else has the same problem here is some info;

Marine heat exchangers and oil coolers can fail quicker than land based versions due to the corrosive nature of fast moving salt water. In your case the header (aka end cap) was made of Cast Iron and thus has been subject to corrosion. The tube bundle however will most likely be in good condition and as long as the failure was fairly recent then the aluminium shell shouldn't be affected either. It really should just be a case of replacing the headers so I am surprised that you didn't get a quick answer from Bowman.

When replacing a header (header "kits" are often available too) then I would recommend opting for a gun metal version as this is what should really have been specified in the first place. It is a more expensive material but will last much longer in a marine environment and will still be cheaper than replacing a complete heat exchanger unit.

If you don't get any joy from Bowman, try contacting ASAP Supplies ([url]http://www.asap-supplies.com)[/URL] as they stock spare parts and have always been very helpful.

I hope this has helped, any heat exchanger related questions? feel free to contact me.

 

[gordmac]

Just been playing this game! Bowman will refer you to Lancing. There are a large number of variations of heat exchangers, even with the same part number. I got a reconditioned one from Seahorsepower a lot cheaper than a new one, they are very helpful. As are Lancing and ASAP.