Hah! Another mariner! Just had to replace the front casting of our Volvo Penta 3 cylinder diesel. Corrosion due to suspected electrolytic action and the aluminium cover acting as a bloody expensive anode!
The only idea that I can offer is to check that engine has an earth strap. Other than that, is it possible that the engine has been run for a long time without anti-freeze or an anti-corrosion additive? I can understand that anti-freeze may not be necessary due to the higher ambient temperature. Is the lack of the radiator mounting bobbins an indication of unsympathetic maintenance?
The car's almost 40 years old - so anything is possible. Although, it had had anti freeze in when I bought it 2 years ago and then promptly left to spend 2 years in the CAribbean.
As far as missing bobbins? Who knows? As you well know, removing and replacing the water pump is a Rubiks Cube exercise and possible that some simply forgot to put them back.
BTW,got the radiator out this morning.. how easy was that? I spent a couple of days puzzling it out. I would never have worked out how to do it without your advice. Thank You again!
