Merc 140 out of boat winterizing question

[aries8888]

Pulled my engine while doing a transom replacement and I do not believe I will be able to get the engine back in prior to winter. Since I cannot start the engine at this point I cannot follow the entire process for winterizing the engine.
The only thing I can think to do is to drain the block, remove the thermostat cover and thermostat, pour anti-freeze into the engine and cross fingers. If anyone has any suggestions they would be appreciated. I do not have a heated area to store the engine.

Thank you.

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 140 out of boat winterizing question

If the engine is still all together, hook some fuel to it, a battery, water hose, and run it while it's sitting on blocks.
I always run them before installing back in a boat. Then I know everything is ok.
Run it, change oil, run it again, fog it. Then drain it (AF if you must and don't mind the mess) spray it with your favorite corrosion guard and you're set for winter.

If it's not runnable, pull the plugs, spray in some fogging oil through the spark plug holes and crank the engine over by hand. Still use the corrosion guard and drain it.

 

[aries8888]

Re: Merc 140 out of boat winterizing question

Tks for your prompt response. Engine is still complete and fine, just doing a complete boat restore. I thought about attaching a water hose to the intake hose which was attached to the stern drive and running the engine while it was out of the boat but was afraid the torque of it starting would flip the engine unless I found some way to secure it.

thank you for your time.

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 140 out of boat winterizing question

I've run big diesels, 7.4 and 8.1L MPI, 5.7L MPI, and even 3.0L engine. Never lost one yet, came close one day when getting crazy with the throttle with an 8.1 though, but was also expecting it.
If it makes you nervous, lag bolt the front mount to a 4x4 about 4 ft long. Also lag the feet on the engine bellhousing so the oil pan doesn't touch the ground and start it up. Sounds like a lot of extra work though.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Merc 140 out of boat winterizing question

I hate those "Out of Boat" experiences!

 

[aries8888]

Re: Merc 140 out of boat winterizing question

Like your idea of the 4x4's, I will be using that method. I am an optimist and believe that if it can go wrong it will.

 

[Flukinicehole]

Re: Merc 140 out of boat winterizing question

If you just drain the water you will be fine.Alot of engines sit for years and dont have a problem.You can spray fogging oil thats fine but the rest is overkill.If the block is empty what can happen?