Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

[rb8484]

Hey guys. First off, I have a 5.7 mercuiser alpha one. Went to winterize my boat today (will be my first time winterizing a i/o) and put the muffs on it and wanted to let it run for a few and bring it up to temp, then I was going to fog the engine. I turned on my hose and started the boat up and noticed that there was no water coming out the exhaust. Watched the temp and it started to rise quickly. It only got up to 180, but it got up to that temp pretty fast, faster than normal, and its only 54 degrees out. I must be plugged up somewhere?? HELP, I need to get this winterized today!! What do I do.
If you have any winterizing tips for me for this motor, they will be much welcomed!!
Thanks!!!

 

[scipper77]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

Sounds like a bad impeller. I am by no means an expert on this but you may have to start with putting a new impeller in your lower unit which you will need to do anyways if it is the problem. Others will chime in if I'm off on my opinion.

 

[rb8484]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

Sounds like a bad impeller. I am by no means an expert on this but you may have to start with putting a new impeller in your lower unit which you will need to do anyways if it is the problem. Others will chime in if I'm off on my opinion.

I wondered this too. I want to replace it before spring, but right now its not in the buget. I want to get a manual for this as well, but my local dealer wants $40 for one. I was just laid off from my job and am not spending any more money than i have to right now. A manual is the first thing I am buying in the spring! This is somthing I should know, but I dont, so i hope none of you will lay into me for not knowing, but where is the impeller on my setup?

 

[Don S]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=358056

 

[rb8484]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=358056

I just found that post and was reading it. THANKS!!
I will check out the impeller

 

[rb8484]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

Looks like there is 5 drain plugs?? Can anyone verify this??

 

[Don S]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

There are at LEAST 5 drain plugs. Without actually seeing your setup, I wouldn't make a guess. There may also be other hoses that should be removed that don't have drains.

 

[rb8484]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

i think my thermostat is bad. Im not going to worry about it until spring. I ended up going and buying the manual for it. It helped. I found 6 drain plugs and that is what the manual is showing, but a 2 of the plugs are located a little differant that what is in my boat. Im sure they are the same ones. Does that sound right?? 6 plugs? anyone with the 5.7 merc that can chime in? If my stat is bad, it wont prevent any water from draining out of the system will it? I dont see how it could.
Off to pull the hoses now and pour antifreeze in them.
Should i leave the drain plugs out or put them back in??

 

[Don S]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

Your thermostat being bad will not prevent water from coming out the back. ALL the water exits through the exhaust manifolds and risers. Even if your stat was stuck closed, you would have water going through the manifolds and risers.

Are you sure you have enough water pressure through your garden hose to put enough water to the pump? Are you sure the pump is any good. When was the last time the impeller was replaced.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: Went to winterize and I think my cooling system is plugged...HELP!!

Should i leave the drain plugs out or put them back in??

If you leave the drain plugs out all the antifreeze will drain out like the water did