Antifreeze or no antifreeze?

[bspeth]

What is the accepted opinion on this?I don't want to waste money,and I don't want engine problems from saving 30 bucks.

 

[bspeth]

Re: Antifreeze or no antifreeze?

Am I correct in my assessment is if the block is drained proper,the antifreeze only prevents corrosion and does nothing else?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Antifreeze or no antifreeze?

I'm not sure to what extent antifreeze prevents corrosion; maybe depends on what kind of antifreeze is used?

Although lots of people (and shops, apparently) use antifreeze, it is not necessary on a boat with seawater cooling. Just drain the block by taking out the plugs, disconnect hoses from fuel and/or power steering coolers, and disconnect the large hose coming out of the internal pump. There are good stickies at the top of the forum that address winterization.

Good luck,
Jim

 

[thumpar]

Re: Antifreeze or no antifreeze?

It must be that time of the year again. I don't use antifreeze. If you are going to use antifreeze make sure you drain first then fill. Don't try to suck it up. The thermostat will not be open so it will just go out the exhaust. I would bet that more blocks crack with the improper use of antifreeze than those that have just been drained completely.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Antifreeze or no antifreeze?

Air doesn't freeze. So if the block is drained, why bother with antifreeze? I drained my brand new 4.3 last fall and put it away. No problems with freezing.
However across the highway is a large marine dealer. And this spring he said they have the usual "why is my block cracked" questions. And he figures all of these are related to antifreeze. Pouring a -50 mix into a block with residual water gives you a -30 mix. And when it gets to -45 you can guess what happens next.
This dealer told me he has never added antifreeze to any boat brought in for winterization. And he's been doing this for 25 years.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Antifreeze or no antifreeze?

Air is good enough, water is bad, anitfreeze is great, but you have to drain the entire system before you add antifreeze. Drain block (both sides), exhaust mainfolds, oil cooler, hot water transfer to hot water heater (if you have one), I like to blow air through large water pump hose. Now we have air everywhere (good enough point) so if ya want to spend more money, go for it.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Antifreeze or no antifreeze?

Cast iron will rust and scale without some type of liquid covering it. During the season it`s either salt/brackish, or lake water.
Left dry it wont crack but will scale up . Kept wet it wont. The trick to not cracking is having the correct mix of protection should you keep it wet.
Regular car A/F is acceptable IF you reclaim it prior to start up where there is no fresh water lakes, rivers or pets.
Simply open the plugs and hoses and drain back into the containers.then attach the muffs to start.
Where there is fresh, salt, or lake water you MUST USE NON-TOXIC A/F. Either in -50 or -100 .DO NOT DILUTE
Flush,Fog and drain motor first making sure to probe the drain holes to BE SURE IT`S DRAINING. Replpace plugs
Pour the mix into the block and manifolds thru the hoses.Remove all types of batteries including flashlights.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Antifreeze or no antifreeze?

I would not be particularly worried about corrosion in an engine that was full of water all summer. Vote no antifreeze.