Had major service 12 hrs ago, do i need full winterisation

[leoo24]

Hi guys


my mercruiser 4.3 efi had huge service in september, all oil, filters, gimbals, anodes, etc etc where changed, checked etc, the only thing that wasn't changed as it was in tip top condition was the impeller.

Do i need to change everything again? i've only run 12 hours on it since the service, ofcourse i need to take drain plugs out of boat itself, riser, manifold etc, lube up everything again for storing.

many thanks

Leo

ps. i'm in spain, no freeze / thaw to worry about

 

[Bondo]

Re: Had major service 12 hrs ago, do i need full winterisation

ofcourse i need to take drain plugs out of boat itself, riser, manifold etc, lube up everything again for storing.

Ayuh,... At 12hrs. I wouldn't,....Although I would Drain everything,.. Freeze threat or Not...

Global Cooling could strike at anytime ya know....

Up in the Adults Only section at the top of this forum, there's a thread titled, "Summerization"....
Have a read up there,... You'll be needin' it soon enough....

 

[Don S]

Re: Had major service 12 hrs ago, do i need full winterisation

I wouldn't worry about oil and filter, gear lube oil, fuel filters etc. if done in Sept. But I would sure pull the drain plug on the drive and check for water. If it's not milky, call it good. I would also pull the drive and check for water in the bellows. It's very possible the large quad ring got out of place when the drive was installed. Only way to find out is to pull the drive and have a look. Fog, drain, corrosion guard it and put it away for the winter.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Had major service 12 hrs ago, do i need full winterisation

I say "no" also, but only if the boat will get the fluids changed again early next season. Like if you are launching in March, then service before Memorial Day would be my choice.

If you think that you are good to wait until September of next year, I strongly disagree. This is one of the reasons I warn people about bying boats will "low low" hours! People skip maintenance items, cause "it's only been 12 hours".

 

[leoo24]

Re: Had major service 12 hrs ago, do i need full winterisation

thanks guys

hehe, actually there is a cold front projected for next week, think it'll dip all the way down to 8?C at night

but yeah, gonna drain everything.

Anodes sure need changing, got it out of the water today and home.

I am planning on launching again in march, so here's a further questions on that note....
should i do a change mid season? i use the boat march-june and then july-august have a break due to work and use again sept-dec.

also being an efi engine i'm a little stuck on how to fog it, will pulling all the plugs and hand cranking coat the cylinders ok?

many thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Had major service 12 hrs ago, do i need full winterisation

The engine service is usually yearly or every 100 hours, whichever comes first. Most people do the full service during winterization, then they know everything is safe. Then in the spring, it's just a basic tuneup and check over. Until the next winterization. Now if you put on 2 to 300 hours a year, yes, a mid season is necessary.
As far as fogging, is it MPI, or Throttle body? Also visit the Adults only sticky at the top of this forum. You will be amazed at all you find. Including manuals and info on winterizing.

 

[leoo24]

Re: Had major service 12 hrs ago, do i need full winterisation

Thanks Don,

I have had a good read thanks, there is loads of info in there. i had read about doing the service during winterisation, but mine having been done just before had me wondering.

I'm a skier/boarder so go out for a quick blast instead of cruising, so actually don't even go over 50 hours a year. I keep an eye on everything and don't want to skimp on servicing but if i really don't need to give it a full service until i winterise again then that would be good to know.


Sorry Don, i'm still learning so only know as much to tell you it's an EFI engine, i'll have to get out the manual to better ask the question.