Engine Raw Water Inlet Plumbing

[Ruffles]

Can someone explain why my raw water inlet is plumbed as it is? I guess the real question is does it matter which direction the water flows through the gearbox. The boat was re-engined my Moodys at Swanwick so hopefully they should have known what they were doing!

As you can see from the picture the pipe from the inlet/strainer runs under the engine sump in a 180 degree loop before entering the gearbox on the other side. Any reason why I can't swop the pipes over? I've recently had to change the hose due to chafe. The curved gearbox in/outlets appear to rotate freely so the port side could be turned to point back.

 

[Richard10002]

I dont know the answer but it looks very similar to my system. In at the right of the gearbox, and out on the left, (looking forward), then to the pump.

 

[leomagill]

If it's a straight forward oil cooler it can be connected either way round but best if the water and oil flow in opposite directions for best heat transfer, I think it's recomended to have gearbox oil cooler first, then charge air cooler if turbo/supercharged, then raw pump, then engine heat exchanger, then exhaust manifold.
Could be wrong, I'm pissed! (hows that for a disclaimer)

 

[rogerthebodger]

Water can pass thrpugh an axial heat exchanger in either direction but if the water and oil flow in opposite directions the cooling will be more efficient than if it flows in the same direction.

 

[Ruffles]

Thanks for your comments. I'm hoping there'll be some engine installation instructions somewhere on-line that can confirm the flow direction.

I could of course leave it well alone. It's lasted ten years at least the way it is. The hose has survived the heat from the sump fine - with just some chafe against another pipe.

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
I could of course leave it well alone. It's lasted ten years at least the way it is. The hose has survived the heat from the sump fine - with just some chafe against another pipe.

[/ QUOTE ]

If it aint broke.... and all that?? You might be opening a whole new can of worms /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Could you pull it away from the other pipe somehow?