1976 American 18 OMC 235 stringer winterizing

[Milesj]

Hey folks,
looking for some information on draining my engine for winter. When I bought the boat in the paperwork there was a note saying for winterizing just open up all the petcocks to drain and good to go. Wondering if anyone knows how many there should be on my 235 and maybe approximate locations? First boat so a total noob to this!

 

[kenny nunez]

On both sides of the block, and on the bottom of the manifolds there may be either butterfly style drains or rubber caps held on with worm clamps. Quite often the drain cocks are stopped up with sand or dirt, you may have to remove the whole drain valve. Or blow them out with compressed air. Also remove the curved hose at the water pump as water gets trapped in there.
Leave the drive in the down position. That insures that there is no water left.
I understand that there are shops that run the engine in a anti freeze treated tank to winterize which prevents corrosion in the water jackets.
With the drive down drain and and refill the gear cases. You might find water in the upper.