We have a Beta Marine 38, 4.5 years old, just under 2000 hours, WOC No. K28547 that has developed a pinhole leak in the raw water cooling pipe near the salt water pump. We are cruising in Pacific Mexico which makes it hard to get parts. We dont expect to be back in the US for at least a year, but we can put in an order with special delivery over the border. We want to order a new cooling pipe part and, at the same time, any other raw water cooling parts that might be suspected to develop a leak since this part did. Can you tell me what other parts we might need for (1) replacing the water pipe and (2) spares for raw water parts that might be expected to develop leaks soon? Thanks.
I have checked the records and your engine was built with the Johnson raw water pump and a copper water tube that runs from the RWP to the back of the heat exchanger. Production has changed since your engine was built and we now use a stainless steel water tube.
Because the cost of shipping a big box with the water tube to Mexico is likely to cost much more than the new water tube I will recommend a simple fix which you should be able to accomplish locally. There are 2 options.
1) Replace the whole water tube with a section of 22mm (7/8") rubber hose or
2) cut out the bad piece and fit a joining piece of rubber hose with some hose clamps. Note that the main section of the tube on your engine is 5/8" (16mm) with 7/8" end pieces soldered on for connecting to the RWP and the heat exchanger.
