Winterization Question

[FW0804]

I have a Merc 165 4cyl. It appears to have a closed cooling system (because theres a reservoir for coolant) but I still hook up a flush test device when i am starting the engine out of the water. I am not sure whether or not I have to drain any water out of this engine. Should I drain the coolant and refill? Do engines like these still retain water that needs to be drained?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterization Question

Should I drain the coolant and refill? Do engines like these still retain water that needs to be drained?

Ayuh,... Your motor has a Raw water side(seawater),+ the Freshwater side(coolant)...
The Raw water side needs to be Drained...
The Freshwater side needs it's coolant rating to be Lower than any expected cold temps....

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Winterization Question

I have a Merc 165 4cyl. It appears to have a closed cooling system (because theres a reservoir for coolant) but I still hook up a flush test device when i am starting the engine out of the water. I am not sure whether or not I have to drain any water out of this engine. Should I drain the coolant and refill? Do engines like these still retain water that needs to be drained?

You should have a heat exchanger, that will need to be drained of raw (sea) water. If you have the 470 engine, I will check my manual for anything else to do....

As for the anti-freeze, the only need to change it would be if it was it's time, or contaminated.

 

[ChrisCraftJohnny]

Re: Winterization Question

Quick question on the topic.

Raw water and Fresh water:

Raw water system = Sea water/Lake water cooled, Correct.

Fresh water system = onboard contained cooling system ala ~ Automotive.

In this case, fresh water does not mean Lakewater only correct.

Johnny

 

[FW0804]

Re: Winterization Question

Ayuh,... Your motor has a Raw water side(seawater),+ the Freshwater side(coolant)...
The Raw water side needs to be Drained...
The Freshwater side needs it's coolant rating to be Lower than any expected cold temps....

There are two drain plugs under the heat exchanger. I drained both (coolant came out of one, plain water came out of the other), I am going to just refill the coolant side with 50/50 but as for the other side...I live in Michigan so it can get pretty cold here. Do I need to fill that up with coolant too? If so how would I get it in there? Also, are those the only two drain plugs?...I can't seem to find any more.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Winterization Question

Quick question on the topic.

Raw water and Fresh water:

Raw water system = Sea water/Lake water cooled, Correct.

Fresh water system = onboard contained cooling system ala ~ Automotive.

In this case, fresh water does not mean Lakewater only correct.

Johnny

You are right...!

Happy boating!

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Winterization Question

There are two drain plugs under the heat exchanger. I drained both (coolant came out of one, plain water came out of the other), I am going to just refill the coolant side with 50/50 but as for the other side...I live in Michigan so it can get pretty cold here. Do I need to fill that up with coolant too? If so how would I get it in there? Also, are those the only two drain plugs?...I can't seem to find any more.

You do not have to drain the coolant, just open the one petcock that the water came out of. Water will lay in there and deform the end plates on the heat exchanger when it freezes.

Give me a minute and I'll send you a link where you can download your manual. It should have the entire procedure.

**Here you go;

http://www.4shared.com/account/file/121929231/58a54283/MercruiserManual8.html

 

[FW0804]

Re: Winterization Question

ErieRon: Thanks man! That will definately come in handy. One last question it says for step 14 - "for stern drive unit, refer to "stern drive manual".

I drained the gearcase lubricant already and refilled. Is there anything else I need to do with that?