Draining power steering oil cooler

[gabe33366]

Was winterizing my 1996 merc 4.3lx this past weekend. I drained the two block plugs, two exhaust manifold plugs, and the large main circulating tube going to the thermostat. Didn't get around to the power steering oil cooler, it wasn't supposed to be cold so I figured I'd do it next weekend along with filling the system up with antifreeze.

Apparently, now we're supposed to get a couple cold nights and am worried it might freeze. However, in my boat the power steering oil cooler is up top behind the engine (horizontal), unlike near the bottom as in the manual (tube runs from cooler along top of engine to thermostat). I figured most water would drain automatically with the cooler itself being the highest point, and I imagine any water left would just be in the rubber tube. Was wondering how critical this might be? The engine itself has no water in it, so it should be fine. Worst case scenario is a busted oil cooler I guess. Should I risk it for a couple cold nights? (boat is stored elsewhere, otherwise I'd just finish the job)

Thanks lads

 

[crazy charlie]

go pour some AF in it and you will sleep better or take a lamp with you and leave it turned on near the cooler

 

[Scott Danforth]

Drain it, or plan on buying a new one

You can out a 50 watt trouble light in the engine bay and it will keep things from freezing

 

[bspeth]

I think they are expensive,drain it. Twenty minutes including uncovering and recovering the boat.

 

[scoflaw]

I never drain mine and have never had a problem. Its position and location make it impossible to hold water.

 

[alldodge]

You should have one like in the pic below, if that's the case there is no drain plug and its self draining

 

[Lou C]

Depending on the angle it is mounted at it can be a good idea to put the drive down disconnect the raw water intake hose at the thermostat housing and pour -100 AF in the hose till it runs out the out drive water intakes; that will push out any residual water....

 

[gabe33366]

I never drain mine and have never had a problem. Its position and location make it impossible to hold water.

Fair enough, to be honest I can't remember if my previous mechanic would drain it.

 

[gabe33366]

You should have one like in the pic below, if that's the case there is no drain plug and its self draining

Yep, looks just like that. It'll drain okay even horizontal? It looks like most of the newer motors have these at a 45 degree angle.

 

[gabe33366]

Depending on the angle it is mounted at it can be a good idea to put the drive down disconnect the raw water intake hose at the thermostat housing and pour -100 AF in the hose till it runs out the out drive water intakes; that will push out any residual water....

Thanks, I'll do that this weekend to be safe. Unfortunately, the boat is stored 2 hours away so I'll have to risk it for a couple days.

 

[gabe33366]

Well if anyone is interested or sees this in the future I can confirm that when the power steering cooler is in a horizontal position near the top of the engine it is self draining. Poured some antifreeze down the hose and almost immediately heard it dripping out the lower unit.

 

[scoflaw]

We knew that