I want to winterize without the "muffs"..

[tfiore]

I have a Mercruiser 454Mag with Bravo 3. 1999 model year. I am now going to store my boat in a lift, and I want to winterize it right there in the lift and leave it there for the winter. I usually run antifreeze through the engine by hooking up the flushing thing (muffs) to my outrive and running the antifreeze through the muffs with the engine running (on the trailer)

This year- in the lift- it will be hard to get to the outdrive to attach the muffs. Is there a diverter valve or something that I can install in the hose from the outdrive to the sea water pump? I think I have seen one of these before.... you then hook your antifreeze jug to this "valve" and the sea water pump circulates the antifreeze through the block.

Anyone heard of this, and know where I can get one?

Tony

 

[Don S]

Re: I want to winterize without the "muffs"..

Go up to the adults only sticky at the top of this forum, and have a look at the winterizing links. You might also download a manual for your engine that explains exactly how to "Winterize" your engine without antifreeze or muffs.

 

[tfiore]

Re: I want to winterize without the "muffs"..

Go up to the adults only sticky at the top of this forum, and have a look at the winterizing links. You might also download a manual for your engine that explains exactly how to "Winterize" your engine without antifreeze or muffs.

Don,

Thanks. I'll look through those links. Here's the problem though.... The "best" way to winterize this engine is to remove all of the drain plugs and completely drain the block and cooling system. Problem is- in my boat there is one drain plug in there that cannot be reached without pulling the engine. I'm not kidding- the plug to drain the fuel cooler is under the engine and blocked by one of the stringers. I tried once for hours to get to it- it can't be done. So.... I have to run antifreeze through the cooling system just because of poor placement of ONE little blue drain plug..

I'll still go check out those links you mentioned though. Appreciate your response.

Tony

 

[180shabah]

Re: I want to winterize without the "muffs"..

there is one drain plug in there that cannot be reached without pulling the engine.

Call the manufacturer and tell them they suck - maybe the next generation of this boat will be more servicable.

 

[tfiore]

Re: I want to winterize without the "muffs"..

Call the manufacturer and tell them they suck - maybe the next generation of this boat will be more servicable.

Maybe they thought nobody would ever have to actually winterize this boat?? hummm... You're right.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I want to winterize without the "muffs"..

Call the manufacturer and tell them they suck - maybe the next generation of this boat will be more servicable.

Ayuh,... I like Shabah's Point,.... If more New boat owners did that, Life would be so much simpler....

1 of the boats in the barn has the same Problem,...
I drained Everything but the Fuel Cool...
Then I dumped antifreeze into the hose from the cooler up to the T-Stat housing...
I prefer Dry storage, but sometimes ya gotta do whatcha gotta Do....

 

[rbh]

Re: I want to winterize without the "muffs"..

theres always the shop vac, sure pulls out a lot of water just when you thought you got it all
rob

 

[tfiore]

Re: I want to winterize without the "muffs"..

theres always the shop vac, sure pulls out a lot of water just when you thought you got it all
rob

I actually thought about using a vac- or the oil extraction pump that I just bought.

Thanks