Another Winterizing Question...

[Rentaltux]

Hi All,

This is my first post so be gentle on me. I HAVE read all the winterizing threads and stickies etc. I just want some to say I should be OK. Please critique my procedure.

1. I dropped oil and replaced with new including filter. (Got stuck upside down in the engine compartment at 11PM with everyone in bed but thats a whole other story...)
2. Replaced drive oil with new.
3. Replaced fuel filter and added Stabil to tank and filter and ran on muffs for about 20 mins.
4. I drained the block (5 blue plugs)
5. Ran antifreeze (pink RV) through muffs until I saw it running out the back.
6. Fogged the engine through the carb.

Now... I realize that "air don't freeze" but my manual says antifreeze?? Should I drain it again or leave it in? I THINK I should be fine either way but draining it again might be just more "insurance". Is there anything else to drain other than the 5 plugs??(this is where I am unsure) I am new to boats and winterizing and just want some reassurance.

Thanks in advance,
R

 

[paparoof]

Re: Another Winterizing Question...

Lots of folks say you don't need to leave it full of antifreeze. This is only my second year winterizing an IO, so take this for what it's worth - I feel better having my block full of antifreeze cause if I didn't get 100% of the water out of the system when I drained it, at least now that water is mixed in with -100 antifreeze so it ain't gonna freeze. If you don't leave it full of antifreeze you better be VERY sure you got all the water out - especially where you live! You'll have to consult your engine's manual for the locations of all the drain plugs.

I believe general consensus is that pulling antifreeze through muffs isn't reliable. Sounds to me like it worked for you though since you saw it coming out the back end. If you wanna be REALLY sure, I would pull hoses at the highest end of the system (on my motor I can just pull the thermostat) and fill the system from there. When you can SEE that it's full, that's peace of mind right there.

The only other thing I did that I don't see on your list was to pull the spark plugs and squirt some fogging oil into each cylinder, replace the plugs, pull the center wire off the coil and turn the motor over a few times to spread the fogging oil around inside the cylinders. I'm sure this is probably unnecessary - I've never done this on my outboard in the ten years I've owned it and it's remained one of the most reliable motors I've ever owned.

 

[Rentaltux]

Re: Another Winterizing Question...

Thanks Paparoof. I didn't think I needed to spray fogging oil directly into the cylinders?? I would like to know if there is anything other than the 5 blue plugs to drain the engine completely? What about the drive? My manual is 2 hours away at the lake.. I just wanna make sure I have covered all my bases.

R

 

[Bondo]

Re: Another Winterizing Question...

I would like to know if there is anything other than the 5 blue plugs to drain the engine completely? What about the drive?

Ayuh,... Donno if yer P/S cooler has a drain or not, if not, pull a hose...
Also pull the end of the Big hose off the circulating water pump, as it's hidin' a qt. or so...

Pull the drive, so's ya can service it in the Spring...
If ya leave it on the boat, at Full down trim, it'll drain itself...