Winterization Question

[62cruiserinc]

I have a 1981 Mercruiser MCM 260 (5.7L).

Last year I pulled the thermostat out so I could pour antifreeze into the engine after I drained it. I wanted to replace the thermostat anyways as I didn't know how old it was (turns out it was fairly corroded). After draining, I connected my shop-vac blower hose to the thermostat housing where the thermostat was to pressurize the cooling system, which did blow out extra water.

I could remove the thermostat again, but I was wondering if I could just remove the large hose from the engine water pump at the thermostat housing, hold the end of the hose higher than the thermostat housing, and pour in anti-freeze (after draining the engine, ps cooler, etc) until it come out of the thermostat housing where the hose was connected. This should work because the large hose from the pump is connected to the housing below the thermostat.

Steve

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Yes you could refill a cooling system using the water pump hose -- However:

It not really necessary as "Draining Properly" is all that's needed and what is typically recommended. ( As in Air does not freeze )

It is a very good idea to ensure your block is fully drained -otherwise damage can occur

- The need to use a rod or screw driver open poke through debris that settles over the drain plugs is common --
-- I like to follow with a short AF flush and watch that drain.--
--Exhaust manifolds, power steering cooler, engine waterpump and the engine block must be thoroughly drained for good success.--

 

[Scott Danforth]

make sure to prod and poke the drains.... I typically got about a pound of sand and gravel out of the block and manifold drains in the bilge that I had to rinse out the garboard drain plug

and also drain the large hose by pulling it off.