Winterizing merc 5.7 that WONT START

[pmjr0987]

I have been super busy with work etc I have not been able to get my boat running since it last shut down on the water a month ago. It's going to be mid 20's at night out of nowhere and I'm nervous the boats going to freeze the block and crack before I can get it running.


Is there any way to do a proper winterization on a 5.7 while it can only crank and not start?

I'm guessing take out plugs and spray fogging oil in the plugs and spray some down the carb while cranking but what about the antifreeze? Could I hook up a pool pump to the outdrive while cranking and get the antifreeze through just relying on the starter?

Also obviously the thermostat won't open, should I remove it and pump the antifreeze through, or there an easier way??!!!

 

[BayracerL.I.]

there are butterfly drain plugs on block (I believe they are blue). Open them up and drain water with them out crank the starter. then open thermostat and pour antifreeze in thermostat housing.replace drain plugs .remove plugs and spray fogging oil replace spark plugs

 

[Scott Danforth]

Drain the block and heads (poking a wire in each of the drain ports), drain the lines to the water pump and the line between thermostat and transom shield. Change oil and filter. Motor is now properly winterized.

If you want to add antifreeze to make you happy, use a funnel and full the block and manifold's. However you must drain the water first

 

[alldodge]

Not knowing what year of serial number you have I'll add this to what others mentioned: Don't forget draining the large bottom circulating water pump hose and the power steering cooler

 

[legend 550]

Don't forget to drain the exhaust manifolds.

 

[smokeonthewater]

PLUS.... Once you're motor is running STILL DO IT THIS WAY!
Trying to feed antifreeze to a running engine in hopes of winterizing is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Air don't freeze,.... Just Drain it,....

 

[pmjr0987]

Ok thanks for the heads up guys

My father has been boating for 20+ years and he had always filled a large storage bin with antifreeze and hooked a pool pump to the ear muffs and ran the boat till hot and coolant was coming out of the exhaust. I never knew there was a simpler way lol.

So basically drain every drain plug on it, take off all the hoses and let them drain, than pop off the thermostat and throw a bunch of antifreeze in it and I'm good to go? Minus the obvious fogging the cyclinders. Oil has about 5 hours and maybe 2 months on it so I'm going to leave that till next spring.

Btw its a 1985 mercruiser 260 v8

 

[Bondo]

So basically drain every drain plug on it, take off all the hoses and let them drain, and I'm good to go?

Ayuh,..... So long as it's Drained, you can quit right there,... Yer Good to Go,........ Air don't freeze,.....