www.iFourWinns.com

I have a 2003 248 vista with 200 hours on a Volvo 5.7 GI
looking at installing a San Juan fresh water cooling kit
always been flushed
any input or suggestions
thanks

While I'm a big fan of closed cooling there are concerns with installing it on engines run on raw water for more that about 100 hrs. If you have flaking rust it may be ill advised because rust flakes will cause chronic clogging of the heat exchanger and overheating.
I'd remove the thermo housing and drain the block. Look in the inside of the thermo housing and inside the intake manifold. If you saw flaking rust and/or had to poke the drain holes in the block I would not add it.
Call San Juan and ask them, but this is what most experts will tell you.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Ok i'll look into that
before i proceed
thanks

I have installed San Juan FWC kits on both my past and current boats. I did installation before either boat was exposed to salt water. First one done at 100hrs with no problems, current boat done with 5 hrs. What LouC states would be my biggest concern in your case. You didn't mention whether your boat has been exposed to salt water or not.

I would contact Brad at San Juan Engineering and ask his opinion. He knows his product and very knowledgable on FWC and what kit best fits your requirements. I picked up my kits at San Juan in Bellingham, WA and spoke with Brad there and over the phone. I'm sure he would help you out and give you some advice.

If you are a salt water boater; I flush my engine with a product called Salt Away every time I pull my boat out of the water. They claim it flushes out fresh salt, it protects the inside from rusting and corroding, and it begins to break apart salt accumulation, but does not correct past damage. This may be something for you to use prior to installing FWC. Have a look at their website.

Rod

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX