Help!!!

[SRI Cleaning]

I have a White magic Pro 1600 and the engine heat exchanger just blew out. We had a bad freeze a few weeks ago and I think the power at our shop went out (or the guys didnt plug in the heater, but I cant prove that). A few things broke and I was suprised the exchanger was still ok. Well, I guess it weakened it and it died today.

What are my best options on a very tight budget? Can they be fixed, can I even find a replacement? Should I switch to propane and bag all of the temp control stuff on there? Anyone have a heat exchanger or propane heater for sale?

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Is it leaking engine coolant or solution?

I'd open it up and have a look. May have just popped a fitting. I've repaired the copper lines inside a Graham helicoil, and stainless tubing inside an EZ, each time with just a few tweaks.

 

[SRI Cleaning]

Its blowing water out throught the exhaust. I dont know how to open it. Maybe the bottom opens if i take it off the machine. The top looks solid.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Ok, WM has a quirky numbering system for their machines, but I'd guess it's a pre-2003 with an 18-20 hp Kohler air-cooled engine.

So, no coolant leak. Gotta open it up to find the leak. The replacement list is about 12-1300 dollars, so you can afford to at least open it up, with a can-opener if needed.

A swelled split tube, or a broken fitting.

If you were closer I'd help.

more...

 

[SRI Cleaning]

Hey Lee,
You are right about the machine. It is 18 hp air cooled. I am going to take it off and see if I can cut it open. I'll keep you posted!
Thanks man!

 

[lance]

You can also call John Hubertise at Hot Heat Exchangers dot com

He custom builds lots of different kinds of HX and his main design is tube in shell. He is very easy to talk to.

For a diesel heater call Duane Oxley.

 

[SRI Cleaning]

So I cut open the bottom and found 2 small coils disconnected from a main "runner" tube. I assumed these have to br brazed back on. I am going to take it to a welder and see what they say. Thanks lee!

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Some radiator shops can also fix this.

 

[SRI Cleaning]

Good call!

 

[SRI Cleaning]

So i wasnt able to find a radiator repair shop (one that was near me for years had closed) I stoped by a machine shop, a metal fabricator, and 2 welding shops before I was actually able to find someone who would take it on. And it was just a high performance automotive shop.

Well anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!