Too cold to start her up?

[simple]

Here in Wisconsin during the day the temperature is about 50 degrees give or take, but during the night it gets about 35-40 give or take. Is this still too cold for water to be left in the engine block?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Too cold to start her up?

Originally posted by simple:<br /> Here in Wisconsin during the day the temperature is about 50 degrees give or take, but during the night it gets about 35-40 give or take. Is this still too cold for water to be left in the engine block?

NOPE! Even if the temp drops to or slightly below freezing for a brief period, you will be safe. It would be best if you can let the block and mani's absorb some of the day time temperature.<br /><br />Remember, the water inside has to give up it's heat b4 it will freeze. It would take a long time for water, in the block, to give up it's heat at 28 degrees. Keeping the cover on at nite will help hold in some of the days heat.

 

[carrotsnapper]

Re: Too cold to start her up?

My buddy said that he stored his boat with a drop light in the bilge with the cover on. I'm not sure if this is a good idea exploding gases and all that, but it may be something to try if those in the know say it is ok. We used to do that in the winter in Idaho with our cars and never had a problem. I've consedered doing that on a cool night, but never had the need. What do you think you smart boat guys? I'd be curious to know.

 

[zoom50]

Re: Too cold to start her up?

I am a meteorologist and Wisconsin weather has some large extremes. Check out climate data on:<br /><br /> http://sisyphus.sws.uiuc.edu/climate_midwest/mwclimate_data_summaries.htm# <br /><br />Going by historic weather extremes, your not out of the woods until late May/June (depending on location). Remember if the temp dips below 32, any water in block will not freeze right away...It takes time for water to get to air temp...a general rule is that unless temps dip below 26 at night, you are fine to dewinterize your boat and the few night hours below freezing will not allow fluids to freeze to the point it causes damage. <br /><br />I would wait for May.