Heat Exchanger on 2006 E350 6.0 Ford 4x4

[ebrogie]

Have any folks here had a very slow leaky heat exchanger of 2006 Ford 4x4 E350 6.o L Have you replaced it yourself or does this need expertise help?
Could use your help on this issue. Been warned not to drink water as this may be a problem.

[Jeffrey]

My 2007 started leaking just over a year ago. I replaced it myself but I’m quite handy.

[ebrogie]

how did you find the replacement part?

[Railvan]

Are your referring to the heat exchanger/water heater that uses engine coolant to heat the water? If so, I had mine on my 2006 RB50 fail years ago and SMB replaced it, and the second one failed a year or so later and SMB wanted to sell me a replacement. I cut the hoses and capped the fittings and left it in place and never replaced it. I don't trust them after two failures, which when they leak can put coolant in the drinking water. It takes very little time to heat water on the butane stove. Even when it was working I rarely used mine as it would only heat water when the engine was running or for a very short time after it was turned off. Just my 2 cents.

[BVerhulst]

I replaced mine a few years ago because water in it froze and broke it. Pretty easy, just a few hose connections and a small amount of coolant spill when disconnecting those lines (plug 'em fast!). I don't know much about the design, but I think a brazed plate heat exchanger designed for domestic use keeps the liquids separated. Here's a few links with info you and other members will find interesting:

https://www.brazetek.com/application...heat-exchanger
https://www.brazetek.com/application...heat-exchanger
https://www.brazetek.com/applications

Lots of size options on McMaster's:
https://www.mcmaster.com/flat-plate-heat-exchangers/

The Kelvion website describes a particular design series (https://www.kelvion.com/products/product/gb-dw-series/) that is described as "consist of double-walled, hermetically sealed plates. The system convinces with two stainless steel plates instead of one, at which the second wall not only separates the media from each other, but also makes the leak visible. Thus, the mixing of the media of primary and secondary side in case of a leakage should be prevented".