409 Coastal Edition using coolant + steering issue...

[thomas205]

I've been running a 2011 SANTE 230 Coastal Edition with the 409 Crusader engine for two years now. The boat has run perfectly since day one but has always used coolant, about a finger on the level from a good session. I spoke to the local mechanic and he said it wasn't a problem but it remains a concern to me. I have not noticed any coolant in the bilge water at all and haven't found any leaks as yet. Is this a common issue or should I investigate further?

The other problem started happening very recently, the steering has got a little rattle when there is resistance on the rudder and you are pulling away, it's pretty annoying. The boat has never (as far as I know) touched anything except water and carpet but other people have used it at times. Anyone have any ideas? I have noticed the same rattle when I have driven older Nautiques with a lot more hours on them.

Thanks in advance!

[aarond0083]

I've been running a 2011 SANTE 230 Coastal Edition with the 409 Crusader engine for two years now. The boat has run perfectly since day one but has always used coolant, about a finger on the level from a good session. I spoke to the local mechanic and he said it wasn't a problem but it remains a concern to me. I have not noticed any coolant in the bilge water at all and haven't found any leaks as yet. Is this a common issue or should I investigate further?

Are you sure it's using coolant? The coolant level that you can see in the degas bottle will rise when the motor is at running operating temperature and then will level off some when the motor is not running. If the motor gets too warm coolant will overflow from the degas bottle but you would see that in the bilge most likely.

[DJH]

I am starting my second year with the same motor ... I've noticed minor changes in the level in the degas bottle but nothing I wouldn't attribute to typical thermal expansion/contraction.

[gride]

Add a bit of the correct coolant. Get it just above the small hole in the degas bottle. Use it for a day, then see if it's at the same level. I had an invisible leak in mine once and it was disappearing into the bilge but getting pumped out quickly.

[core-rider]

Something about the whole "coolant draining out of the overflow into the bilge" doesn't sound correct. I tried looking for a diagram of the coolant system but didn't have any luck. It seems to me there should be NO coolant loss unless there is a leak somewhere. If the coolant expands enough it should dump into the expansion tank. Once cooled off, if the system needs coolant should it be able to suck coolant back from that tank into the system. If it is somehow dumping into the bilge that is your problem and loss of coolant. Find the point where it dumps and repair it. The main reason I say it should not be dumping into the bilge is because that would be considered comtamination. Heck there is even a filter to keep oil from being pumped out of the bilge into the waterways for each bilge pump.

As far as your steering wheel shaking, my 03 SAN does this on occasion if I'm thottling up while in a turn and let the wheel go to get straightened up. I always just ignore it as the prop causing pressure against the rudder under heavy load and the vibration being tranfered through the steering cable. It only does it powering up in a turn and letting go of the wheel to straighten out. If I keep a hand on the wheel while turning it doesn't do it.

[msbowhunter]

I am having same problem with shaking steering wheel when taking off. Mine is worse with heavier rider. It started doing this at about hour 75 or so and seems to have gotten little worse. Currently has 100 hours on it. Dropped it off at dealer the other day. My prop appears like it did when new. ??