Cooling Manifold Corrosion

[TonyMills]

Hi

I have a V/Penta MD7A about 20 years old and running well! I recently dismantled the cooling manifold and thermostat housing for clean up and repainting. I found considerable scaling in and around the manifold where the thermostat fits. After removing quite a lot of this I have discovered that the metal is cracked around the lip.

I am concerned that the lip and the housing are significantly weakened and may crack further. Also I am now unlikely to get a good seal between the manifold and the thermostat housing. I've looked into replacing that manifold and understand that a new one will cost over A$2,000 (6-700 UK Sterling) which is out of the question.

The manifold is cast metal, probably iron but I'm not sure. Does anyone know if these manifolds can be welded or what is the best approach to repair.

Regards
TonyM

 

[longjohnsilver]

Don't know about welding but you could try an epoxy glue such as araldite, I would have thought this would do the job for just a few cents.

 

[jimtheman]

hi my name is Jim i have a volvo penta md7 with sail drive date 1979 i had to renue the same part about two years ago fortunatly i am an engineer so i fabricated the part my selve it is not to difficult a job try and find a local fabricator to do the job which will be a lot cheeper failing that contact me and i may be able to help as i am going to make a new housing out of stainless steel.and my old one might be for sale if the new one is ok as for welding cast iron it is very easy but it depends on the corrosion.also as far as oil filters etc any good motor factor sell these for 1/4 the price of volvo send me a e-mail if you get stuck

 

[Guest]

The deal with Jim is the best bet, but welding is straight forwards .Last week I had to renew a head gasket on a diesel engine ,the water jacket had corroded very badly adding to the gasket frailer .
I used a metal repair past called
Pera Bond it works and is easy to apply you can get their help on the phone
Uk 0044,01703619822
fax " " 652270
It cost £24. and you only use a very small amount mixed in equal amounts
There are other makes of stuff so you should be able to get yourself out of trouble
Mick

 

[Barnacle]

If I were you I would take it along to your local engine repair shop - the sort of place where you take injectors and heads to be reconditioned. They are used to doing repairs and may be able to build it up with weld and remachine or put in some sort of insert.

 

[TonyMills]

Thanks folks,

The ideas and suggestions provide quite a few different approaches giving me confidence that I may be able to get the matter sorted soon and back on the water. I've located a couple of marine engineering shops which should be able to tackle the job (I hope), and as a last resort I'll try epoxy. At the moment I have to kick my heals because of the Xmas and new year holidays, but people should be back to work tomorrow (I am!)

Regards
TonyM

 

[TonyMills]

Thanks Jim

At the moment I'm hoping that a repair is still possible, but I appreciate the offer and will be in touch if things don't work out. Also I'm probably on the other side of the world from you so their may be some practical difficulties.

Hope you had a good new year

Regards
TonyM

 

[TonyMills]

Thanks for the advice. I'm taking it along to a marine workshop in fremantle (if they open tomorrow) but I yet mey need to try the bonding material.

Have a good new year

Regards
TonyM

 

[TonyMills]

Thanks

I've checked out the local marine engineering shops and hopefully one of them will start work after the new year (tomorrow, today is a public holiday here).

Regards
TonyM