Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

[Robertpel9]

I want to put my boat back in the water this weekend as it is going to be around 70 here in NC and we have warmer weekends coming.

Problem is I still expect below freezing weather regularly. I watched my mechanic winterize my boat as i like to earn how to do things myself and I talked to him today and read on here as well but what i hear and what the manual says are a little different.

He told me all i have to do is the following:
1) Remove plug from each side of engine block and probe with a wire to ensure no blockage is there
2) Do the same with the plug on each side of exhaust
3) Remove large cooling hose at the point that it feeds the impeller (Water Pump)

He said that is it and if i do that i can leave the boat in the water in my slip all i want to as long as i do it each time i am done using it and reconnect everything each time i want to use it until mid march when we are sure temps will be warmer all the time

When i read the manual it tells me i have to remove multiple hoses no just one side of one and that there is a plug in the front as well, etc.

I want to start using my boat again but not if i am going to ruin it by leaving water int he system that can freeze and ruin components and also crack my block

It is a Volvo 4.3GS, can someone please advise as to exactly what i need to do to be able to enjoy my boat in this mixed weather

Thanks in advance,
Robert

 

[Bondo]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

When i read the manual it tells me i have to remove multiple hoses no just one side of one and that there is a plug in the front as well, etc.

Ayuh,...

You should be draining itas described in your Manual,...
That's Safer than going by what We, or your Mechanic says...

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

The manual basically has me removing every damn hose on the engine.

I am a car guy and do a lot of wrenching on cars and i know how rediculous and overboard it is with what the manual wants me to do vs what is neded to keep my care in good care and reliable

There must be hundred of years of experience on here doing this. What actually need to get done vs CYA stuff from the MFG. I know the 4 bolts (Two for block and two for exhaust are a must) but what else is a must

Keep in mind the boat will be sitting in 50 degree water under a cover and it will possible go below freezing at night here and there but be above frezing during the day, most times in the low 50's at least

 

[Don S]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

My first question is what manual are you reading? Owners manual, OEM service manual, aftermarket service manual.
Then, what is the full model number of your engine? Need the letters after the 4.3GS

 

[sailfish252]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

I would be careful with pulling off hoses while the boat is left in the water. If you pull off the engine mounted raw water pump hose you run the risk of sinking the boat.

 

[Don S]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

I did download an owners manual for a 95 4.3 (HU model) and below is a picture of the draining page.
You have to remove the exhaust hoses, because there are no plugs on that type manifold. You either remove the hose or the rubber plug on the back of the drive.
Removing the small hose from the (step1 item1) will probably drain the power steering cooler to, you will have to look and see. It also allows an air vent for when you drain the block.
Step 2 hose drains the circulation pump.
Naturally, you won't be able to drain the drive, so you can eliminate that.
Draining the raw water pump is about out of the question since the hose going to it will fill back up with you re-attach it. But, if your pump is above the water line, I would drain it to.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o291/DonSind/43VPdrain.jpg

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

I am using the owners manual you can download off of the Volov website. It is a 1995 VP 4.3GS. I can't see all of the #'s right now but i downloaded both manuals available one is for a 190hp model (what i have) and one for a 225 hp model. The draining procedures listed are the same.

I REALLY want to use my boat ont h warm weekends. I just dont want to ruin the engine. If i can be ok removing the 4 plugs and the hose the connects the engine to the impeller (This is what my mechanic recommends) then i would love to do it. If i have to pull a bunch of other hoses then probably not.

Whats the real deal here, is the above listed steps insurance enough. I'm not convinced it even would get below 32 int he engine compartment in the first place sitting in 50 degree water with below freezing temps if they even happen only for a few hours.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

are the hoses in question long enough that you could tee in a couple of rad flush adapter tees like this?:

then just unscrew the cap to drain it.

In 50 degree water, I have a hard time imagining the engine would get below 32, but that's "cold comfort" when it's 3 a.m. and you're lying in bed wishing you'd drained it....

this is where outboards rock!

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

Interesting thought. The is also a product out there called minute drain and connect every drain point to a cental manifold with 8 valve you just turn and the entire thing drains. I actually think i am going to have that installed this summer for next year

In the meantime any thought onto why i would have to drain anything but the block, exhaust and the hose running from the engine to the impeller

 

[Bondo]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

The is also a product out there called minute drain and connect every drain point to a cental manifold with 8 valve you just turn and the entire thing drains. I actually think i am going to have that installed this summer for next year

Ayuh,...

Then when 1 of the block or manifold ports gets Plugged with Crap,...
You'll Never Know it,+ probably Freeze,+ Shatter your motor...

In the meantime any thought onto why i would have to drain anything but the block, exhaust and the hose running from the engine to the impeller

It your boat,... Do whatever You think is Necessary.....

If it's Not enough,... You'll be the 1st to know....

 

[Don S]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

I'm not convinced it even would get below 32 int he engine compartment in the first place sitting in 50 degree water with below freezing temps if they even happen only for a few hours.

Then don't drain it and see what happens. We have no way of knowing how cold it will get, where you are located, or anything else.

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

Ayuh,...

It your boat,... Do whatever You think is Necessary.....

If it's Not enough,... You'll be the 1st to know....

Well no kidding but the idea was to tap all of the knowledge and experience of this forum to see what a reasonable approach is. I know there are some really smart people onhere when it comes to boats (yourself included) and I want to be a responsible boat owner but not have to go overboard if i don't need to.

I am assuming there are dozens of people on here who deal with mixed weather winter and have a process they use so i'll aks again, what is the process and is it more than likely that draining the block, exhaust and the hose from engine to impleller is sufficient enough to protect the engine in NC weather

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

I did download an owners manual for a 95 4.3 (HU model) and below is a picture of the draining page.
You have to remove the exhaust hoses, because there are no plugs on that type manifold. You either remove the hose or the rubber plug on the back of the drive.
Removing the small hose from the (step1 item1) will probably drain the power steering cooler to, you will have to look and see. It also allows an air vent for when you drain the block.
Step 2 hose drains the circulation pump.
Naturally, you won't be able to drain the drive, so you can eliminate that.
Draining the raw water pump is about out of the question since the hose going to it will fill back up with you re-attach it. But, if your pump is above the water line, I would drain it to.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o291/DonSind/43VPdrain.jpg

Thanks Don

I am a little confused as there are 4 plug in my engine compartment, one on the bottom of each side of the block and one at the bottom of each side of the exhaust. Why don't they mention the exhaust plugs, will those drain the manifold too?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

Robert,...

You Can't identify What the 'ell you've Got,....

What kind of an Answer are you looking for....

At this point,...
The Absolute Best Answers Possible are merely WAGuesses....

 

[arks]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

I am assuming there are dozens of people on here who deal with mixed weather winter and have a process they use so i'll aks again, what is the process and is it more than likely that draining the block, exhaust and the hose from engine to impleller is sufficient enough to protect the engine in NC weather

Yes.

I've boated all winter here on the Chesapeake. My boat stays in a slip and the engines are fully re-winterized after every trip. I don't drain the blocks, but run pink antifreeze thru them- after the t-stats open. I also run 2 engine room heaters, but they can't be relied on because the power could go out.

For a boat on a trailer the only way to make SURE it won't freeze is to run antifreeze thru it, then drain everything. Taking a shortcut here can be a VERY expensive lesson.

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

The boat will stay in a slip full tiem in the water which today has a surface temp of 50 degrees

How much work and money is it to convert to a closed loop system

 

[arks]

Re: Weather warming up, what to do in mixed weather??

The boat will stay in a slip full tiem in the water which today has a surface temp of 50 degrees

That's good. The water will keep the hull much warmer than the air. You'll be OK without winterizing as long as there are no extended cold snaps. A day or 2 below freezing won't hurt the motor, but if it stays cold for a week, you need to re-winterize.

How much work and money is it to convert to a closed loop system

Probably too much for you to justify it- even if you do all the work yourself. Ballpark (materials only) for a single engine will most likely be over $1k.

Here's a sample I cut and pasted from another site (I know it's not Volvo but it's a good example):
1997-2001 - Front Mounted Fresh Water Full System by San Juan Engineering, fits 5.7L/350 CID M.P.I. V8 Chevy. Works on engines with serpentine belt. Alternator must be mounted on the port side of the engine (check if your engine is late 1999 or 2000 model year). Will not work on engines with alternator mounted on the starboard side.

List Price
$1,020.00
Your Price
$941.54

Detailed Description:
ADVANTAGES OF THE SAN JUAN COOLING SYSTEMS
Longer Engine Life.
No corrosion or harmful salt deposits.
More uniform operating temperatures are assured for greater fuel economy and the elimination of harmful sludge.
Permanent-type Anti-freeze may be used to insure year around protection.
Equipped with standard zinc pencil to protect against electrolytic action.
Workmanship and material fully guaranteed.
COMPACT The San Juan fresh water cooling system does not increase the height, width or length of the engine.
EFFICIENT Improved internal design gives generous cooling capacity. Temperatures will not surge after a hard run. Additional efficiency and protection from coolant loss is obtained through the use of a pressure cap.
DURABLE To insure years of satisfactory service, entire unit is constructed of pure copper with silver alloys. Also equipped with standard zinc pencil to protect against local electrolytic action.
QUICKLY INSTALLED This kit can be installed by anyone with a few common hand tools.
COMPLETELY ON ENGINE This San Juan Cooler is completely on engine, including cooler, mounting brackets, etc. Nothing in the "Bilge."