Crusader 454 High Temp issue

This forum is for comments and the exchange of information relating to Trojan Boats and boating. Please do not post used parts or boats For Sale in this area. For general, non-boating topics please use our "General Discussions" section.

Note: Negative or inflammatory postings will not be tolerated.

Moderators: BeaconMarineBob, Moderator, BeaconMarineDon

Post Reply
todd brinkerhoff
Moderate User
Posts: 696
Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 11:56 am
Location: Finger Lakes, NY

Crusader 454 High Temp issue

Post by todd brinkerhoff »

Let me first explain my exhaust system. The exhaust on this boat is based on the Bertram Velocijet system. The exhaust and raw water are sent to a common muffler system where they are separated. The exhaust fumes are discharged out the side of the boat, while the hot raw water is sent down a hose to a thru-hull in the bottom of the boat. Since you cannot check the exhaust to see if your raw water pump is working, Trojan placed a sensor on the raw water system in the event your raw water system was malfunctioning.

Yesterday I had the boat put in the water and the alarm sounded. At idle the temp spiked on my starboard motor. I pulled my raw water pump and the impeller looks perfect. My coolant level was low on both motors and I added quite a bit of additional coolant to my heat exchanger and coolant overflow jug. The overflow jug was sucked right up by the port (non-problem) motor, but not the starboard motor with the overheating issue.

Since the raw water alarm is sounding, I assumed it was that side of the system. Now I'm thinking its might be the freshwater side. I'm a bit confused. My next step was to pull the raw water hoses leading from the heat exchanger to the exhaust manifold and see if water is flowing while the engine is running. After that, maybe my thermostat, but that wouldn't explain my raw water alarm. Oh, and my hull bottom screen is clear and my raw water strainer is clear and bubbling when the motor is on. I think my raw water sensor is at the end of the exhaust just before my muffler system, as this is the only place that I could find a wire. :?: :?: :?:
1991 Trojan International 10.8 Meter Express hull# 003 - 454 Crusaders
1961 Century Raven 22 - Gray Marine 327

Image
http://s1086.photobucket.com/home/Todd_ ... hoff/index
User avatar
prowlersfish
2025 Gold Support
2025 Gold Support
Posts: 12728
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:56 pm
Location: Lower Chesapeake Bay ,Va

Re: Crusader 454 High Temp issue

Post by prowlersfish »

Todd , I don't know what Trojan used for a raw water alarm on the 10.8 . But I will try to help . First are you sure its a raw water alarm going off and not the engine alarm ? Now assuming it is the raw water alarm , then it can be pretty safe to assume a raw water flow problem is causing your over heating .

Check the water flow of course , make sure the raw water pump belt is tight and not slipping . Look for ant signs of water leaking at the pump both shut off and running , as a bad seal will cause the pump to suck air and lose prime or reduce flow .

There are other places to look but I am assuming the boat was fine until it was put up for the winter .

Good luck

Oh buy a temp gun to compare engines for temp .
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat :D
User avatar
RWS
Ultimate User
Posts: 2857
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:01 am
Location: West Coast Florida
Contact:

Re: Crusader 454 High Temp issue

Post by RWS »

prowlersfish wrote: <snip>

Good luck

Oh buy a temp gun to compare engines for temp .
=============================================================================

+1

The IR Temp Gun is will allow you to compare and isolate the problem quickly.

Also, not expensive anymore.

TWS
1983 10 Meter SOLD after 21 years of adventures
Yanmar diesels
Solid Glass Hull
Woodless Stringers
Full Hull Liner
Survived Andrew Cat 5,Eye of Charley Cat 4, & Irma Cat 2
Trojan International Website: http://trojanboat.com/

WEBSITE & SITELOCK TOTALLY SELF FUNDED
todd brinkerhoff
Moderate User
Posts: 696
Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 11:56 am
Location: Finger Lakes, NY

Re: Crusader 454 High Temp issue

Post by todd brinkerhoff »

Temp gun it is...I'll let u know how it goes. Thanks guys!!!
1991 Trojan International 10.8 Meter Express hull# 003 - 454 Crusaders
1961 Century Raven 22 - Gray Marine 327

Image
http://s1086.photobucket.com/home/Todd_ ... hoff/index
User avatar
Big D
Ultimate User
Posts: 2876
Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 10:39 pm
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Crusader 454 High Temp issue

Post by Big D »

Do you have a "U" shaped oil cooler on the front of the engine? They are known to clog up. Pull both plugs on it, one should have an anode. Sometimes an older anode will break apart, block pasages in the cooler and reduce flow. You can try checking flow before and after the cooler. May be hard to see a small difference but if you see a notable difference, that may be the problem.
She was a 1969 36 ft wooden beauty with big blue 440s that we'll miss forever.
And thanks to the gang, 2012 Trojan Boater Of The Year
todd brinkerhoff
Moderate User
Posts: 696
Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 11:56 am
Location: Finger Lakes, NY

Re: Crusader 454 High Temp issue

Post by todd brinkerhoff »

Big D wrote:Do you have a "U" shaped oil cooler on the front of the engine? They are known to clog up. Pull both plugs on it, one should have an anode. Sometimes an older anode will break apart, block pasages in the cooler and reduce flow. You can try checking flow before and after the cooler. May be hard to see a small difference but if you see a notable difference, that may be the problem.
Yes, there is an U shaped oil cooler. I will add that to my list. Thanks for the help.
1991 Trojan International 10.8 Meter Express hull# 003 - 454 Crusaders
1961 Century Raven 22 - Gray Marine 327

Image
http://s1086.photobucket.com/home/Todd_ ... hoff/index
Post Reply