470 short term freeze protection

[1977 SILVERLINE]

I have a 1977 470 merc with a closed cooling system. The weather man is predicting 29 degrees F tomorrow night. I plan on using the boat for at least 3 more weeks unless the weather turns real nasty on me. I have a good idea about winterizing for the entire winter, but I would like things not to freeze on these cold nights until i do put it away for good. If I drain the fresh water from the heat exchanger and lower the drive down will this be good enough to prevent any damage when the temp falls below freezing?


Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 470 short term freeze protection

I have a 1977 470 merc with a closed cooling system. The weather man is predicting 29 degrees F tomorrow night. I plan on using the boat for at least 3 more weeks unless the weather turns real nasty on me. I have a good idea about winterizing for the entire winter, but I would like things not to freeze on these cold nights until i do put it away for good. If I drain the fresh water from the heat exchanger and lower the drive down will this be good enough to prevent any damage when the temp falls below freezing?


Thanks

Ayuh,... If the antifreeze is strong enough, ya that oughta work...

 

[1977 SILVERLINE]

Re: 470 short term freeze protection

It should be but its worth the time to double check

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: 470 short term freeze protection

put a 60 watt light under the cowl, and a 100 watt light on the outdrive. it will keep you above freezing in 29F ambient temps.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 470 short term freeze protection

Get yourself an inexpensive antifreeze tester and check your antifreeze, Should be about 50/50. If it is OK, just pull the aft plug on the heat exchanger and let the seawater drain, pull the boat plug and let it drain right on the ramp. Should be fine.