Freeze Warning!

[sea wolf]

Here in Upstate NY, apparently 'ol man winter ain't done with us yet, even though it's spring. Today we had snow showers. The NWS is calling for a freeze warning for tonite with a low of 30, & for tomorrow nite a low of 23! So, I just got done draining the manifold & the engine block, as I started it up last week for the 1st time this year. I have the drive off to grease the u-joints & to check the G.B., so I'll be draning the pickup pump also. Last Sat. the temp almost hit 80. Unbelievable.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Freeze Warning!

Insane isn't it? I'm in MA and we are forecasting low 40's. better to be safe than sorry. Once of prevention is worth a pound of cure.....

 

[z1nonlyone]

Re: Freeze Warning!

I don't hear anyone talk about "block heaters" or anything like that. Would not that be a good alternative to the winterizing proceedure? How about a small electric heater blowing in the engine compartment? I live in california and although it does freeze in many places, its ot this long drawn out winter like in other parts of the country.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Freeze Warning!

I don't hear anyone talk about "block heaters" or anything like that. Would not that be a good alternative to the winterizing proceedure? How about a small electric heater blowing in the engine compartment? I live in california and although it does freeze in many places, its ot this long drawn out winter like in other parts of the country.

Block heaters keep oil warm and not all the water in the engine. With a heater, you run the risk of a fuel leak and causing a fire. Some have done it with heat lamps. The only concern with anything that plugs into the wall, what happens if you lose power or don't check on the light bulb to find out it burnt out a week ago.

It is always the safest bet to drain the water.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Freeze Warning!

Block heaters keep oil warm and not all the water in the engine. With a heater, you run the risk of a fuel leak and causing a fire. Some have done it with heat lamps. The only concern with anything that plugs into the wall, what happens if you lose power or don't check on the light bulb to find out it burnt out a week ago.

It is always the safest bet to drain the water.

+1
Saw another post on here where that happened. For some reason the lamp quit working or burned out causing a cracked block. They do make bilge heaters, but again, no power = serious problems.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Freeze Warning!

I don't hear anyone talk about "block heaters" or anything like that. Would not that be a good alternative to the winterizing proceedure? How about a small electric heater blowing in the engine compartment? I live in california and although it does freeze in many places, its ot this long drawn out winter like in other parts of the country.

for all the time ya spend thinking about better ways to build a mouse trap ya can have the water system drained and be done with it. it's the proper way to have an extended season. if ya have est. near freezing overnight temps. drain the water system and be ready to go boating the next time w/o worry's of i wonder if that idea of keeping water from freezing in my block and manifolds worked.. air just don't freeze..
i just went boating today. started the day with an empty block and manifold too. the freeze that up there now was here earlier.. put some muffs to her, filled her up, warmed her up, and went out and had a good time.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Freeze Warning!

Once the boat is in the marina, the water will keep the bilge warm. Our marina water temp is about 43 F right now. As of now the outdoor temp is 35. I expect it to fall to 29 overnight.

 

[JJJ]

Re: Freeze Warning!

Just found out it is going into the 20's, so I put a light under the oil pan as it is too late to drain. Well that and the only thing with water in is the PS cooler line and a bit in the heat exchanger. I am assuming the drive drained itself from sitting and the risers self drains.

Hoping the warm oil will hold enough heat, that and the covers retain enough for the few hours below freezing.

 

[90sunbird]

Re: Freeze Warning!

unbelievable frost so much for global warming it didnt feel like it when i was fishing in the hudson tonight and the weather service was calling for frost!! good post to tell everyone to drain there drives and engines!!

 

[gerard143]

Re: Freeze Warning!

im a little skeptical about 2night being so cold and my block freezing. i've read that generally unless its like 27degrees for 48 hrs straight it shouldnt freeze. i mean its only dipping below 32 degrees for like 4 hrs 2night. so idk if thats really long enough to freeze it but its one expensive risk to take if it does.

i saw a thread where i guy put temp sensors on the outside of the boat... on the floor of the boat and in the engine compartment over like 24 hrs when it went from like 45 to below freezing and suprisingly the engine compartment stayed much warmer then the outside temp probe. so i guess it does take longer indeed to cool the block down but again im still skeptical.

 

[Capt21]

Re: Freeze Warning!

Option 1 - Take 10 minutes and Drain it
Option 2 - Take the chance and then Replace motor

I'll opt for number one.