Heat Exchanger Location

[JimHo]

Quick Question for the forum.

When the Atomic 4 in my Tartan 30 was originally converted to fresh water cooled, the heat exchanger was placed in the head compartment. I'd like to move the exchanger to the locker just forward of the head as that is currently space given over to sanitation hoses, and is not much use otherwise.

By doing this, I will be lengthening the hoses by about 3' and the exchanger will sit maybe 3-4" lower in the boat.

Would this pose any problems for me other than cost?

Thanks - Jim

[ndutton]

Is your fill cap on the exchanger?

[joe_db]

As long as the exchanger is still the high point of the system there should be no issue.

[JimHo]

Thank you,

Mine is the Moyer heat exchanger with a fill cap and an aux. tank.

I'm going to have to get a level on this to see if it is higher. How high above the engine does the exchanger need to be?

Thanks - Jim

[ndutton]

To expand on Joe's comment now that we know the fill point is integral to the exchanger, the fill cap must be at the highest point AND if at all possible, the hoses should run in a continuous uphill gradient to the HX without sags.

[Marty Levenson]

sail locker

On our Tartan 27 I installed the Indigo heat exchanger in the starboard sail locker. It is attached to the bulkhead at the forward end. Works great.

Marty

[JimHo]

Thank you for all the responses - I will put the exchanger back in the head which guarantees the height and short runs

[Oldlaxer1]

Jim, on my Tartan 30, the PO mounted the Indigo HE on a board attached to the mast with large hose clamps. It seems to work out fine. I wish I had a better picture but maybe this will show where it is located. I have the raw water strainer in the head compartment so it is getting a little crowded in there!

[HOTFLASH]

T27 heat exchanger

Marty,

How much real estate does that heat exchanger take up in your starboard sail locker? Any chance you could post a pic at some time? I have a Tartan 27 too, as you might recall. The "engine room" (a misnomer) is quite tight, as you know.

Mary

[Marty Levenson]

sail locker

Hey Mary,

Attached are a few photos - not great, but I hope they help. Before installing I spoke with Tom of Indigo, and he assured me that a slightly longer hose run didn't matter. As has been noted in this thread, the fill cap needs to be the highest point of the system.

I have found it quite convenient: easy to check the level, top-up, etc. One less thing in the "engine room". The electric pump is mounted near the raw water intake.

Marty