Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Bondo

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

The knock sensor is actually mounted on a brass "Y" if that makes any difference. Perhaps due to a clearance issue for the sensor? Maybe using a longer stem and a "Tee" would work. These engines are 305 CID. Merc quit using them for a couple of years but brought them back in 2001. I think Merc used a GM base block up to 1997 but not sure where the got the 2000 and on.

Ayuh,... Merc is Still using the same motors, 'n same knock sensors... Today...
 

PlanB

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Ok, well I guess I am pretty much back to square one except for swapping out the plastic nut fittings to brass plugs. It would appear what I was hoping to accomplish without draining the systems is not a good idea. Our marina does have a full time mechanic so I may have a chat with him.

Thanks to all for taking time for your input, particularly to Bond-o for your many replies.

Calm seas and blue skies to all.

Rick
 

scoflaw

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Bondo had it right on post# 4. Small young guy, is the right answer.
 

ssb33r

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

I work for a houseboat charter company, what we have done is stuffed a peice of pipe in the drain holes and put a ball valve on the end, winter is a snap just go and crank all the ball valves open. You say there is a full time mechanic around, might be worth the money to have him install such a system for you :)
 

Bondo

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

I work for a houseboat charter company, what we have done is stuffed a peice of pipe in the drain holes and put a ball valve on the end, winter is a snap just go and crank all the ball valves open. You say there is a full time mechanic around, might be worth the money to have him install such a system for you :)

Ayuh,... Ya still gotta make Sure ya don't have a sand clogged block drain...

Not sayin' it's a bad idea, Just that ya gotta be able to rod 'em out with a screw...
There's always some kinda crud build up...
 

ssb33r

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

With a ball valve it all opens right up and with a peice of straight rod you can get in there and poke around :) no probs in 10 years of using this. It works for us
 

PlanB

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

With a ball valve it all opens right up and with a peice of straight rod you can get in there and poke around :) no probs in 10 years of using this. It works for us

Have you done this with Mercruisers? If so did you remove the brass fittings that the blue plastic drain plugs fit into?
 

PlanB

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Ayuh,... The knock sensor is merely mounted in a 1/4" brass "T"....

Swap the fittings to ALL 1/4" pipe thread...

Both the Block, 'n the sensor are 1/4" pipe thread...

Bond-o, I don't know a thing about the anti-knock sensor, but why is it located in a water passage fitting?
 

Bondo

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Bond-o, I don't know a thing about the anti-knock sensor, but why is it located in a water passage fitting?

Ayuh,... Because that's where it can Feel the detonation if it occurs...

ssb33r can answer for hisself, but I'm pretty sure, ya Gotta go back to the cast iron to get to the 1/4" pipe threads...
You'll Never find a plumbing fitting that's gonna screw into the Merc fittings where the blue plastic screws are...

Whatever ya do, make Sure ya can Clean the drains with a rod or I use a 4" deckscrew,...
That screw has been ridin' on my intake manifold for over 10 years now...
Stored Dry,... Freezing is Never an issue...
 

PlanB

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

You'll Never find a plumbing fitting that's gonna screw into the Merc fittings where the blue plastic screws are...
You are correct in that I have searched and cannot find these fittings. I did discover that the blue plugs are 1/2" - 13 thread and I have located the taps and dies and am considering making my own adapters. I think the problem with just removing the brass fittings and changing to 1/4" is getting a tool on the fittings. The same fittings I have trouble getting the blue plugs back into I am not sure that I can get a tool on the brass. A 2" adapter that would screw into the brass would be much easier to install and to drain. I haven't figured this out entirely since the blue plug is a straight thread and not tapered like a pipe thread. If I can get the OEM fittings out replacing them with some 1/4" brass nipples about 2" or 3" long with ball valves seems like a good idea. Perhaps using a brass "T" on the sensor with it being on the T leg so I can rod out the fitting straight through if necessary.

And, I realize the importance of making sure the drains are clear. I am fortunate to boat in a lake with little silt plus my raw water is strained. I have never had a clogged drain although I am always vigilant and watch for it when winterizing.
 

PlanB

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

I ran across this today. Pretty pricey but interesting. It runs hoses from the drain ports to individual valves that dump water into a trough. Apparently they have also made fittings that attach to the OEM blue plug ports.

http://www.minutedrain.com/
 

Don S

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Do what ever makes you happy.
You know now what caused your problem and how to cure it.
If you want to spend money to keep from doing it right, it's your engine.
With that system, you still can't clean the plugged holes out without removing the hose, instead of just a plug.
 

ssb33r

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Yes you have to get rid of all the brass merc stuff and go down to GM iron. Not sure where our pipes came from but they just screw into the block and the ball valve screws on the other end.
 

PlanB

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Do what ever makes you happy. If you want to spend money to keep from doing it right, it's your engine.
I didn't plan on buying this. I just thought it was interesting and wanted to pass the info along to someone who might.

With that system, you still can't clean the plugged holes out without removing the hose, instead of just a plug.

Watching their video, if you open the valves several times per year it will flush any sediment out.
 

PlanB

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Yes you have to get rid of all the brass merc stuff and go down to GM iron. Not sure where our pipes came from but they just screw into the block and the ball valve screws on the other end.

I found several sources for the brass nipples and ball valves. If I only replace the manifold plugs and fuel cooler plug with a ball valve that would make the process much easier. The circulating pump and manifolds aren't that difficult unless you wait until cold weather.

Thanks for the info.
 

Bondo

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

I didn't plan on buying this. I just thought it was interesting and wanted to pass the info along to someone who might.



Watching their video, if you open the valves several times per year it will flush any sediment out.

Ayuh,... Mercruiser developed their own system like that...

I'd still rip it all off, 'n toss it...

It's a guaranteed cracked block, someday...
 

PlanB

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Ayuh,... Mercruiser developed their own system like that...
I'd still rip it all off, 'n toss it...
It's a guaranteed cracked block, someday...

Bond-o, regarding the OEM fittings that house the blue wing nuts, what is the best way to remove them? I am nowhere near my boat so I can't go look. Will a wrench twist them out, channel locks or what?
 

Bondo

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Re: Winterizing Merc 5.0L EFI's While In Water

Will a wrench twist them out, channel locks or what?

Ayuh,... Anything you can use to get a grip on 'em, 'n turn 'em out....

Vise-grips'll work...
After all, ya ain't tryin' to save 'em or nothin'....
 
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