Waterlock function and design

[Dann]

Please can someone explain the function and design of a simple waterlock in a deisel's exhaust system. The one on my boat is made of fiberglass and situated at roughly the lowest point of the exhaust system and has the inlet and outlet points on the top. I assume that the inlet is at the top of the chamber and the outlet extended to near the bottom. Thus, when the engine is running the gas pressure forces the water up and out. When the engine stops the residual water flows back down the hoses and fills the waterlock. Therefore, if winterizing the engine; shutting the cooling water inlet valve a few moments before stopping the engine would evacuate the water from the waterlock. Please confirm or enlighten me?

 

[Tranona]

Roughly right. Have a look at the Vetus catalogue pages 168 - 176 and all will be revealed. www.vetus.co.uk

 

[sailorman]

correct if your assumptions
yopu could possible drain the waterlock some have a drain-off.

 

[VicS]

I think you will find most of the water that the water lock collects is what drains back from the exhaust hose. Shutting the inlet valve may reduce it a bit but I think there will still be a fair bit that does drain back although it will depend enormously on the geometry of the system. With no drain fitted to the water lock we usually disconnected it and emptied it.

 

[Dann]

Thank you Tranona. However mine is not a Vetus, which, I believe, is a more sophisticated two chamber design. My assumptions are just that; for a simple single chamber waterlock.

 

[sailorman]

a single chamber type will still have a baffle me thinks to seperate the in & out

 

[pete]

I wonder if draining the water-lock is the best thing to do on lay up as it leaves the exhaust pipe open straight in to the engine possibly encouraging condensation (unless you bung the exhaust up)
I run a strong mix of antifreeze through the engine after flushing the system out and once I see the colour change at the exhaust outlet I shut down the engine. just a thought.
pete

 

[Chris_Robb]

[ QUOTE ]
I wonder if draining the water-lock is the best thing to do on lay up as it leaves the exhaust pipe open straight in to the engine possibly encouraging condensation (unless you bung the exhaust up)
I run a strong mix of antifreeze through the engine after flushing the system out and once I see the colour change at the exhaust outlet I shut down the engine. just a thought.
pete

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed - This is an esential part of the winter layup program. Forget emptying the waterlock.

 

[Leo2]

Have a look at these. May give you some ideas.
GRP Waterlock http://www.boatpartsandspares.co.uk/exhaust-waterlock-grp-to-suit-50mm-tube-tails-214-p.asp
also a Stainless steel one with inlet outlets on top. http://www.boatpartsandspares.co.uk/waterlock-stainless-steel-45mm-hose-connections-70-p.asp