How many cracked blocks this winter?

[HT32BSX115]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

The one fact that is clear here that some boaters don't want to face is that there are distinct disadvantages to raw water cooled sterndrives...and this is one...they do not forgive even a few hours of a low enough temp...if you want to have no worries about freezing...then get an OB next time...or full closed cooling (still have to drain the raw water section) and that's it....I can deal with it because I have no problem jumping in the bilge and draining it when needed....but some engines have such bad access it's a real pain... but if you're going to own one of these....either learn how and get out there and JUST DO IT don't waste time asking questions on the net...I could drain my engine in less time that it takes to read this thread....or have a good relationship with a shop that will do it for you...

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Very good answer.......



bottom line............





AIR DOESN"T FREEZE!


Drain your blocks!!!!!!

 

[jeeperman]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

This is a forum to share knowledge with all types.

Amazes me how many "old" boaters think that certain things should be common knowledge.

Go to a boat ramp on any given summer Sunday and you will see a lot of old and new boaters and the lack of common knowledge.

Ask questions and gain knowledge, hopefully without ridicule.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

i drained my block ( got a few qts out anyways)-tuned on the hot water heater and turned the cabin heat to 52F (water temp)- the boat is well covered in a slip and the block sits low under water level. fresh air vents taped shut.
we have been in the teens some.

I'm not too worried but it is in the back of my head...

WoooHooo!- 55degrees today-bright sun-no wind
water temp 44degrees on surface- boat fired up on the 3rd crank- oil pressure 55lbs/ water temp 130 .
went for a spin-ran great to 4400rpms.
no leaks and the oil is still a pretty light amber.
made it thru the coldest spell in 14years no issues.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Looks like the Tampa area escaped without damage. At least my dad and brother's boat came through fine without winterizing or draining.

(Not suggesting that as a course of action - just saying we got lucky!)

 

[Bronc Rider]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

My question has to do with this particular cold spell so I didnt start a new thread. It doesnt appear that I would be hijacking the op since he is wondering "how many cracked blocks". I apologize if I'm wrong.

So as we know, the south got well below avarege temps recently. Due to work and some family issues I couldnt get to my I/O boat until today. The coldest temp in my area was 23 degrees but it stayed below 32 degrees for at least 20 hours. The next day the temps only climbed to 35 degrees.

My boat started right up and ran in a big tub for about twenty minutes. I gave it a little abuse and ran it up to 3000 rpm's for short periods. I know you're not supposed to do that but, I figured if my drive or block were cracked the impeller would be the least of my worries. I know that still doesnt represent load on the engine but I didnt want to just let it idle the entire time. The oil looks fine on both the drive and engine after running them. The engine ran well like it always does.

So here is my question:
Should I still pressurize the block to look for cracks? Everything appears to be fine. If i do, I will start a thread for that if I have any questions.

And yes, you can laugh at me. Im also guilty of rubbing our year long boating season to the northern fellas.

 

[Don S]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

It's best to start a new thread when changing the subject matter. Your post is asking a specific engine question, on your boat and has nothing to do with the original question.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

"I'm not too worried but it is in the back of my head..."

I have the same feelings. I had not planned on doing much but something told me to drain the block. So I pulled all five plugs, drained and put away.

THen we got this crazy cold snap, record lows in North Central FL!!!

Not too terrribly worried but still this being the first I/O for me it is a scary expierence. Hopefully the weather will be nice and we can see how we did this weekend.

 

[Grant Brown]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

I learned how to drain my block the first day I got my boat. Now I can do it in 10 min or less.
Just like the OP said - air don't freeze...

 

[seadated cutter]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

this is my first big vessel i have owned and not a good way to start my new adventure.i was one day to late to drain it and i even had a heat lamp in the bildge.so the next time i say ill get it done tommorow that means i will be doing it today.the engine had very little hours on it and ran like a champ.now she will be rebuilt just right above the freeze plug this happened on 1-1-2010

 

[marlboro180]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

OUCH!Sorry man .

 

[seadated cutter]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

marlboro180 this may seem a little ironic but when i went to check my boat out while it was still in in the marina there was a engraved brass sign on the back that said "A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood into which one pours money into" i laughed when i seen this sign and now i have cracked block! hahahhahahhahahhaa

 

[sprintst]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Your weather down there is just insane. It'll be $10 an orange down here soon.

It was crazy warm here during your worst spell. Someone is playing with a weather dial somewhere.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

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Very good answer.......



bottom line............





AIR DOESN"T FREEZE!


Drain your blocks!!!!!!

Well, if you want to be picky/technical, air does in fact freeze (rather, the gases that make up the air do freeze at specific temperatures, eg. dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide).

But if the air gets cold enough to freeze even the nitrogen in the air at -346 Farenheit, then getting your boat running will be the least of your worries

FYI I drain my block too.

Personally I'm ready for the spring cascade of cracked blocks... I'm hoping to pick up a replacement drive train for my boat

Erik