Winterization Question

[sixgun95]

Is it necessary and/or recommended to put antifreeze in the block when winterizing or just draining it? The dealer uses it, my local boat service place does not, nor do they think its necessary. What do you think. BTW, I am in middle TN.

07 Chaparral Sunesta, 5L Merc.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Winterization Question

closed or open cooling system?

 

[sixgun95]

Re: Winterization Question

Is a closed system like a car? Open system uses the lake water to cool the motor? Mine uses the lake water to cool the engine.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Winterization Question

fresh water cooling is like a car, a closed system. but has a heat exchanger instead of a radiator.
raw water cooling (open) is from the lake.

the anti freeze question has been debated much in the past. my best assessment of everything i've read is pretty much per the mercruiser service manual.

draining everything is good for extending the season. it is also an accepted way of winterizing. but. draining everything then using antifreeze is better and considered best for extended storage (winter layup). reason being that the antifreeze offers corrosion protection.

either, or. your choice. air don't freeze. but ya never get all the moisture out of the system. therefor premoteing rust on the inside. the rust created seems to be a non issue as something else will break on your engine prior to the block rusting thru.......

good luck....

 

[4poco]

Re: Winterization Question

I also have read alot on this subject.. anti-freeze or drain. Myself have taken the advise from both sides.
I drain the water after fogging engine, then pour anti freeze and fill system, and drain. Anti-freeze to get in the pockets that wont drain. But like many people have said ... Air dont freeze ! Works good for me in the cold wyoming winters with no problem

 

[JT!]

Re: Winterization Question

unless you can ensure your system has 0% humidity in it, air does freeze. and thaw. and freeze. and thaw.

this causes a constant condensation cycle for the entire time theres no liquid in it. as mentioned earlier, this would hardly ever rust through, but corrosion scale is not very heat conducive; therefore, less on the internal surfaces is better.

i say unless you can ensure absolute dryness (you cant really) you should do the antifreeze method to prevent reduction in cooling efficiency next season, and the next 10 seasons to come.

i would also add 20% antifreeze to the summertime solution, in order to prevent the water from ever boiling. it boils but at a higher temp.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterization Question

i would also add 20% antifreeze to the summertime solution, in order to prevent the water from ever boiling. it boils but at a higher temp.

Hmmmm,.... How are we going to do that with a raw water cooled motor..??

i say unless you can ensure absolute dryness (you cant really) you should do the antifreeze method to prevent reduction in cooling efficiency next season, and the next 10 seasons to come.

Ayuh,.... That's a Wild stretch of the imagination.....

We've been mothballing motor, Since there's been motors, Dry, with no ill effects.....

 

[JT!]

Re: Winterization Question

i thought we were discussing a closed system, that was running plain water instead of a premix. my bad.