Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

[kenny26]

Wife and I are planning the last trip of the season to Wisconsin in early October. We want to take the boat, however I'm concerned about the cold weather. The daytime temps are typically 60 - 75 degrees, but at night it can fall into the 30s and even frost at that time of year.

Do i need to worry about the block freezing if i leave the boat in the water overnight? Is there any way to protect it if its in the water overnight, or do i need to pull the boat out each day. If I pull it out how do i drain the block on the 4.3 TKS?

Thanks,
Kenny

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

Have you found your (5) blue engine drain plugs yet? There going to be blue plastic wing nuts. Two on each side of the block, the starboard side plug on the block is going to be the hardest to find. Two on each manifold and one in front by the water/fuel filter for the circulating pump. Unscrew them and you should see water gush out. That will prevent damage from a short term freeze. BTW - if you leave your boat in the water as opposed to out the chances of freeze damage is slim to none until the lake water actually starts to freeze.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

Do i need to worry about the block freezing if i leave the boat in the water overnight?

Ayuh,... With the motorbox closed, yer somewhat Safe at sub-freezin' temps, with the boat in the water...
How cold, 'n how safe are debatable though...

 

[Volphin]

Re: Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

Too bad we can't retrofit a block heater. lol

Should be OK in the water though. I just use antifreeze and a heated garage in the winter.

V

 

[Don S]

Re: Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

Learn to drain the engine properly. Even if it takes 15 or 20 minutes it beats a cracked block. While you might be ok, if the expected temps get exceeded and you do crack a block. So much for your trip.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

Learn to drain the engine properly. Even if it takes 15 or 20 minutes it beats a cracked block. While you might be ok, if the expected temps get exceeded and you do crack a block. So much for your trip.

A long time ago I cracked a block. It was the most painful lesson, but I never forgot it. Wise counsel Don.

V

 

[kenny26]

Re: Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

Thanks Guys, i'll search out the drain plugs and learn to drain it. Also, are you able to pull the drain plugs while the boat is in the water?

Thanks again,
Kenny

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

Sure, the water in the block and manifolds won't amount up to more than a couple of gallons at the most that will drain into the bilge. Turn on the bilge pump after you're done draining it and you're all set. Don't forget to close the drains back up after you're done and check again after startup to ensure you didn't leave a drain open and spitting out water while the engine is running.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Cold weather boating question with the 4.3 TKS

If you decide to live on the edge and leave the boat in the water with out draining the block and its gonna get below freezing, ya could idle it at the dock before bed for 10-15 minutes. Then maybe throw a blanket over the engine cover, If you really get in a jam, go out and start it again at 3am for another 10 mins...or sumtn 'like that, Just a thought...