Jimmy,

Do I have to use the Volvo coolant or is there something else I can use that is equivalent? I have a 2003 (red motor) 5.0 GXi-EF.

Thanks,
Joe

Joe- Did you repower? Just curious since your boat is an '05 and you said the motor is an '03.

No, boat was sold in fall of 2004 as a 2005 model so it is considered an 05 boat but the motor according to serial number is a 2003.

There was a bill passed a while back that allows marine manufacturers to sell motors as current model year as long as there were no major changes by engine manufacturers to that line. So if the hull was built in 03, motor in 03 and no big changes and it is sold new in 05 it becomes a 2005 boat and motor and not a leftover. I don't necessarily agree with it but I happened to take down the HIN and serial numbers off the boat when I looked at it and looked them up, ended up working to my advantage at the time of sale.

i use only volvo coolant,and distilled water in any volvo cooling system.reason being,the silicates in other coolant,can and will bond to the tubes in the heat exchanger,this will insulate them,end result,no heat transfer...

Ok, will go with the Volvo coolant. Question then...if the marina mechanic put in something else to top it off and tap water...if anything did bond to the tubes would sending out the heat exchanger to be boiled and cleaned reverse that? Anything specific I should ask to be done or not done to it?

Appreciate the info.

when a heat exchanger gets "tanked",it cleans everything off,on both sides,the "raw water" side and the fresh water side...
that coolant should be mixed 50/50-half coolant,half distilled water

Guess I have to pick a weekend, hoped the weather and fishing is bad and not read about great fishing and take the heat exchanger to be cleaned and the Admiral to AC. Thanks Jim.

RE:"if the marina mechanic put in something else to top it off and tap water."

Why would it need a "top off"? Unless you have (had) a leak somewhere? If only a few ounces or a pint got put in, then percentage would be low and its unlikely that any significant amount of "crap" ended up in your system.

Is it running at a proper temp now?

Capt. Bob I don't need to top off...and it was more than a few ounces when we changed the thermostat. I am having the heat changer cleaned and replacing my coolant. It is running the proper temp but I still want to change the coolant and get the heat exchanger cleaned due to the hours I have on it since it was last done.

Yep...Changing the T'stat does require more than a few ounces :-)
Probably a good bit of PM if your engine has serious use. Would that I could say the same.