Antifreeze Question

[BobMaio]

I read as many winterizing posts that I can find but I still am not clear on two points. 1) Do you remove the thermostat when you poor the antifreeze into the 6 hoses that are attached to the top of the block? 2) Are the 5 plugs still out when you poor the antifreeze or do they get replaced after draining the water and before adding the antifreeze?

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Antifreeze Question

Yes, remove the themostat. I run the engine on muffs to flush it out and warm the engine so it's easier to change the oil. At that time I'm running the fogging cocktail through the fuel system and fuel injectors (5.0 EFI engine). If you've got a carbed engine, fog it according to the manual. I remove the 5 blue drain plugs, cleaning out the holes with a piece of coat hanger wire, and remove the large water circulation pump hose, I let everything drain and even flow some fresh water through the thermostat housing to make sure all is clear. After everything drains, I reconnect the big hose but leave the plugs out. I then start pouring antifreeze into the engine through the open thermostat housing. As antifreeze starts to flow through the holes the blue plugs fit into, I re-install the blue plugs. Use new O-rings on them. I continue to fill the engine with antifreeze. I reinstall the thermostat with a new gasket. I then spray WD40on everything, grease all the fittings, and lubricate the linkages. Change the oil, filter, and water/fuel separator filter and the engine's done. Hope this helps. Hy

 

[achris]

Re: Antifreeze Question

I read as many winterizing posts that I can find but I still am not clear on two points. 1) Do you remove the thermostat when you poor the antifreeze into the 6 hoses that are attached to the top of the block? 2) Are the 5 plugs still out when you poor the antifreeze or do they get replaced after draining the water and before adding the antifreeze?

Why are you people still messing with anti-freeze? Just pull the plugs out of the block and manifold/s, clear them with a nail or such and let all the water drain out. AIR DON'T FREEZE.....

This is an extract from EVERY SINGLE Mercruiser manual:

 

[BobMaio]

Re: Antifreeze Question

Thanks for your responses. This was just the information I was looking for. However regarding the issue of using or not using antifreeze: my understanding is that antifreeze has a rust preventative feature. Also, by using antifreeze you displace any water that may be trapped in a valley within the system that would not normally drain out.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Antifreeze Question

my understanding is that antifreeze has a rust preventative feature.

yep, it does. but how many times have you heard of a block rusting through from the inside out. i suppose it could happen but i've not heard of any. i've gone to achris' way, bondo's way. drain all the water out of it and be done with it. as for a little water trapped inside, as likely there is after draining. but that little bit of water won't break a block as when it freezes, it's got some where to expand to. like the empty cooling system area. i'm going dry again this year. the fact that air don't freeze makes me feel good.

 

[bobhol]

Re: Antifreeze Question

I gotta get in on this ...I have the single point drain system and I use it as it was designed ...I then remove the three hoses at my thermostat and pour a third of a jug of antifreeze thru each hose till I see it come out the drain hoses and the outdrive ..now I know there is no water left..then I seal it up and it is done ...works for me ...I know I just wasted a jug of antifreeze ...but it works for me ...Bob

 

[boat1010]

Re: Antifreeze Question

I gotta get in on this ...I have the single point drain system and I use it as it was designed ...I then remove the three hoses at my thermostat and pour a third of a jug of antifreeze thru each hose till I see it come out the drain hoses and the outdrive ..now I know there is no water left..then I seal it up and it is done ...works for me ...I know I just wasted a jug of antifreeze ...but it works for me ...Bob

You do know that straight antifreeze does freeze..

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Antifreeze Question

I have the single point drain system and I use it as it was designed

Howdy,


The "Single Point" system was developed for people that have relatively new engines and don't want to go to the trouble of opening all the drains.

There is a problem with the single-point system though and it's the same problem that exists in older engines that do not have it.

As your engine gets older and rust flakes (and other debris) begins to accumulate in the water jacket, you MUST remove the drain plug/valve etc, and use a piece of wire or other small diameter "poker" to help remove the rust flakes so ALL the water can drain.

MANY engines have had freeze damage because people did not do this and thought they had drained all the water out when they DIDN'T!!

The Single Point system makes it even worse because you do not have anyplace to poke the "poker"!

AND, if you have to remove all of the valves/connections you've completely defeated the "advantages" of the single point system anyway.


Newer engines usually don't have a LOT of (or any) big pieces of rust and/or debris to clear but if your engine is more than a few years old, you might be lulled into a false sense of security (at least until about APR or MAY!!!)

Every Spring, a whole lotta people come on iboats and say:

I have water in my oil and KNOW I winterized my engine

The only way to ensure that all the water is drained people, IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL THE WATER HAS IN FACT, DRAINED!

Good luck!



Rick

 

[bobhol]

Re: Antifreeze Question

I agree and thats why I put antifreeze thru each hose till it comes out the appropriate exit to ensure it is not blocked and there is no water left ...If it was blocked then yes I would disconnect the hose and poke out the blockage ...I am paranoid about leaving water in the block...regards,Bob

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Antifreeze Question

I agree and thats why I put antifreeze thru each hose till it comes out the appropriate exit to ensure it is not blocked and there is no water left ...If it was blocked then yes I would disconnect the hose and poke out the blockage ...I am paranoid about leaving water in the block...regards,Bob

It's "ok" to put (50/50) antifreeze in the block after completely draining the engine first.

But for those that don't drain all the water FIRST, it's VERY dangerous because the AF will not always mix with the water left in there....

 

[bobhol]

Re: Antifreeze Question

I am sorry ..I am not explaining myself clearly ...I only use the antifreeze to flush out any remaining water...then close up the motor...I do not fill it with antifreeze....hopefully this is a good way to do it?...Bob

 

[mr300z87]

Re: Antifreeze Question

I am going to add some fuel to this debate. My manuals states this

NOTE: For additional assurance against freezing
and rust, fill the cooling system with a solution of antifreeze
and water (mixed to proportions recommended
by manufacturer for lowest temperature to
which engine will be exposed during storage). 3.0L Manual # 13

And

13. For additional assurance against freezing and rust, remove the thermostat cover and thermostat. Fill the engine seawater cooling system with a mixture of antifreeze and tap water mixed to manufacturer?s recommendation to project engine to the lowest temperature to which it will be exposed during cold weather or extended storage. Using a new gasket, reinstall thermostat and cover. Tighten cover bolts securely. V8 manual # 15

I will add antifreeze!!