First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0

[DK in Chicago]

From reading this forum, I have decided to just drain and let it be for the winter.
From looking at the manual there are only 2 plugs to pull on this 4 cylinder, one for the block and one for the manifold.

It is a 1988 boat but the motor was replaced in 94 with the same type I believe, so from what I can tell it is water cooled and does not have power steering.

My question is if I am not changing the oil do I still have to bring the engine up to operating temperature before draining?

Thanks!

 

[skargo]

Re: First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0

You don't have to bring it to temp if you are not changing the oil, but why wouldn't you? There is moisture and contaminants in your old oil, why leave it sit for months with that in it, when you can easily have fresh, clean oil sitting in there protecting your engines internals?

 

[DK in Chicago]

Re: First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0

You have a good point. Someone else I was talking to mentioned they did it in the spring but I guess that doesn't make much sense.

Guess its time to look for one of those dipstick pumps

 

[skargo]

Re: First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0

You have a good point. Someone else I was talking to mentioned they did it in the spring but I guess that doesn't make much sense.

Guess its time to look for one of those dipstick pumps

I bought one of these on sale last week. I'm not going to mention where I got it as it's a competitor to the folks who host this site.

 

[mhubbs]

Re: First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0--in Dallas, TX

Re: First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0--in Dallas, TX

Hi Winterization thread...
I am a new owner of a 2007 Bayliner with a 3.0L 4 cyl. 135 hp. MerCruiser Alpha. I changed the oil yesterday, but had trouble finding a drain plug on the exhaust manifold. I only saw the blue line drain hose from the exhaust manifold. Is there also a drain plug near where the blue line drain hose connects to the engine? Is there a picture available? I am going by the drawing in the owners manual page 87, which is on the Closed Cooled Models--I think I have a freshwater cooled engine.
Curious,
Mark in Dallas

 

[fat fanny]

Re: First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0

DK do you plan on blowing the excess water out of the block and minifold with compressed air? you do live in a cold climate especially if it isn't stored inside or exsposed to outside ambiant tempeture remember there could be water laying in your circulating pump,passages and other hoses the best bet is to remove therm housing and hose to pump fill with a/f replace and fill up to each drain plug until a/f comes out only plug and so on until full. A little time and about $20.00 of a/f isn't worth the expensive surprize you might get come spring.

 

[Don S]

Re: First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0--in Dallas, TX

Re: First Time Winterizing Mercruiser 3.0--in Dallas, TX

Welcome to iboats Mark.
Best to start a new thread with your question. This isn't just a thread on winterization that everyone asks questions on.
This is DK's thead with his questions he wants answers for.