Jump to content
  • projects-database-banner3.png

  • Share your completed boat projects!  DIY or Professional Installs

    Imagine a single giant database of boat projects for all brands, organized by category, boat type or budget.   Share your projects, find inspiration for a new upgrade, or learn the basics or low budget solutions from projects before you.   We can all share and learn from each other in one place.  

    No project is too plain, cheap or lame to post... all will be helpful to someone.  Let's build this thing!

    Please register or log in first:

    1) Pick a category

    2) Click "Add New Project"

    3) Update your project anytime!

    ***Professional Shops are also welcome to showcase custom work for any category, but you must designate your company name under "installation shop"  with included info.

  • Closed cooling on 8.1 in wakesetter 247


    2008_247lsv
    • Year: 2008 Brand: Malibu Model / Trim: 247 lsv Cost: (unspecified) Engine Type: 8.1
     Share

    I added closed cooling to my 8.1

    the head exchanger was part of a universal 454 full system closed cooling kit

    i made a custom bracket that bolted to the back of the engine with two of the bell housing bolts and then onto the transmission 

    made and extension on mu thermostat housing to but the fill cap the highest part of the motor

    used some flexible stainless hose for one of the water pump lines and a custom pipe with threaded port to tie heater in 

    pretty simple set up I kept the manifolds cooled with lake water to make sure it did not overheat since i was not 100 percent sure of heat exchanger sizing, i have been running this setup for a few years now and usually runs right at 159-162 sometimes a little higher if im running wide open for a while but never over 170

    hearer blows really hot even when i shut off the engine since it has its own circulating pump

     

    IMG_2604.JPG

    IMG_2605.JPG

    IMG_2606.JPG

    IMG_2621.JPG

    IMG_2622.JPG

    IMG_2623.JPG

     Share


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Looks like a helluva job.    Nice work.  

    No bleeding issues?   I know the newer boats w/ cooled had some issues where they had to bleed the system first.   

    What would you say is best benefit to the closed cooling system, if you don’t run salt water.    Less chance of error?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    winterizing takes about 5 min

    these engines are car engines and were designed to have antifreeze running in them 

    no corrosion in the block when you run antifreeze 

    even if you forgot to winterize all  you can really screw up in the heat exchanger and manifolds

    and I really did not have any bleeding issues for the most part. the first few time out I kept some antifreeze with me and topped it off every time I would stop, but I think that was just some air in the lines going up to the heater, I never overheated or had any problems really

     

    only downside is the shower kits do not work once you have closed cooling, but the good news is that it just forces you to remove the shower that is never used anyway and free up space

     

    Edited by 2008_247lsv
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I would love to have closed cooling. I run in Pyramid that is Briny so I wouldn't be running salt through my motor. Like you said car motors like antifreeze. In my dirtbikes I usually run distilled water but you always add water wetter to lube up all the seals and keep the water pump alive, our boats are not getting any love in the lube department. The 5 minute winterization would be sweet as well just pop a plug or 2 and dump the manifolds, I keep my boat in my back garage/man cave so it's not too bad of a deal because I don't really have to worry too much about it freezing but I would love to know I have coolant flowing around in my motor instead of salty water or  dirty abrasive water.

    I winterized on my way back from Powell once because I couldn't drive anymore (too tired) and it was supposed to Freeze that night....anything to make that process go a little quicker and be more sure I'm not going to crack anything I am into.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    12 hours ago, 2008_247lsv said:

    winterizing takes about 5 min

    these engines are car engines and were designed to have antifreeze running in them 

    no corrosion in the block when you run antifreeze 

    even if you forgot to winterize all  you can really screw up in the heat exchanger and manifolds

    and I really did not have any bleeding issues for the most part. the first few time out I kept some antifreeze with me and topped it off every time I would stop, but I think that was just some air in the lines going up to the heater, I never overheated or had any problems really

     

    only downside is the shower kits do not work once you have closed cooling, but the good news is that it just forces you to remove the shower that is never used anyway and free up space

     

    huh... good idea.    I get it.   

    We always forget we have that shower to be honest.   This project is on my radar.    Thanks for posting

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now

  • Featured Products

  • Tell a friend

    Love Wake Garage? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...