Mercruiser winterization

[goodfortune]

I have twin V8 I/O Mercruiser 5.7LX engines that I will be winterizing for the first time (new boat owner). I wish to leave my vessel in the water through the winter. I'm in a fresh water river located in Philadelphia, PA.<br /><br />What are some necessary pointers and pitfalls that I should beware of, as a first-timer><br /><br />Thank you.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser winterization

Welcome to iboats ....Are these closed cooling or raw water cooled engines, as that matters.....Look in the 'search' function under winterizing.....If the river you moor in freezes, then there will be other items to address I'm sure.....JK

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser winterization

I wish to leave my vessel in the water through the winter. I'm in a fresh water river located in Philadelphia, PA.

That's a New Twist,........<br /><br />As JK mentions,.... We need more Info about your boat,+ driveline..........<br />At the very Least,...... You need to get All the Water Drained from Anything that's got Water in it............<br /><br />I Know it gets Plenty Cold in Phila.,.....<br />If you're in Freshwater,.?? How are you going to keep the Hull from Freezing In,.???

 

[goodfortune]

Re: Mercruiser winterization

Thanks guys. The marina provides heating bubbles; also, the engines raw water cooled.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser winterization

Then you need to drain the blocks, manifolds,and remove and drainthe hoses that run from the transom to the power steering coolers, to prevent the freezing part anyway....JK

 

[sundancer30]

Re: Mercruiser winterization

Just got done draining the water from my 2 1988 5.7's (MerCruiser)<br />I am pretty sure I got all required but having a hard time getting to the Power steering cooler hose. Is there some other trick other than <br />spooning the engine (sleep) or standing on my head. Is it OK to remove the hose after the cooler? Problem number 1 I am 6'2" and 275 pounds<br />so anything down there is a chore. O yea I dropped 1 of the drain plugs. I don't think a magnet will work to retrieve! Any idea's

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser winterization

The plug you will just have to dig for or get a new one........If you are talking about the hose from the P.S. cooler to the engine....Yes, that should be good enough, make sure you drain it though.....JK