Cleaning heat exchanger

how often should the heat exchanger be removed and cleaned on a Yanmar Marine Deisel engine when the boat spends 12 months per year in the water between the Caribbean and New England?

Thanks.

Lee

Hello Iburess,
You should be removing and cleaning your exhaust elbow. Is it a down angle or a goose neck. Not sure what model Yanmar you have. If you notice restricted flow, check sea water intake and sea water pump impeller and cam. Get a Yanmar Work Shop Manual. A must. It is not often you have to remove the heat exchanger and have it cleaned." DO NOT USE CAUSTIC " That will eat your exchange and they are a pretty penny. You can buy the V-gaskets and O-rings and remove the brass end covers and take a look to inspect the tubes for debris. If the tubes are clear then change the coolant (antifreeze) and be done with it.
Happy sailing... Squid