Winterizing time

Cedarcove

Cadet
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Messages
9
Over the summer I got a new to us ,premier tritoon with a 4.3 carbureted engine. Can’t seem to access the Starboard side block drain .it’s such a tight squeeze to get in .there .doesn’t seem to be one on power stering pump ..any tips or tricks I’m totally missing .trying to avoid too much disassembling and thanks for the n advance
 

poconojoe

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
1,966
Can you post the engine serial number?
It will help in identifying which 4.3 you have and with that, members can better determine where your drain plugs are.

My 4.3 has 5 drain plugs, but your's may be different. There were many 4.3's.

Also, make sure they are fully drained when you remove the plugs. Probe the holes with a small screwdriver or wire to see if any scale has blocked the drain holes.
 

Rick Stephens

Admiral
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
6,118
The block drains are always directly opposed and identical location, port and starboard sides. They are tucked up in there, that's for sure.

I cut my 'in' water line right at the oil cooler and added a plastic drain so I wouldn't have to pull line off the cooler. It is a tough reach even in a fairly open motor compartment like mine.
 

Cedarcove

Cadet
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Messages
9
I can Get serial numbers this weekend it’s 160 miles away at the lake ..have winterized-many before I just can’t get in there unless maybe droping the alternator may be what I have to do I know about location owns boats for whole life ..just a real tight fit ..thanks for the reply’s .they know it’s tight oil filter is on the top
 

Cedarcove

Cadet
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Messages
9
I can Get serial numbers this weekend it’s 160 miles away at the lake ..have winterized-many before I just can’t get in there unless maybe droping the alternator may be what I have to do I know about location owns boats for whole life ..just a real tight fit ..thanks for the reply’s .they know it’s tight oil filter is on the top
7988B4CF-6A6D-4D83-A1D5-67DF49842FD9.jpeg
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,591
looks like batwing manifolds too.

may want to consider upgrading those ticking time bombs
 

Cedarcove

Cadet
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Messages
9
We’ll it’s runs great has 140 hrs on the boat doesn’t stay in water pull it out each time .no sign of rust and cleaned the drains holes when pulled the rest of the plugs was just looking foe suggested ways to get to the starboard side thanks
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,197
starboard side drain is betweeen the starter and the engine mount. Here's the one on my old 1988, OMC used a 90* connector to clear the older style large direct drive starter....
PMGR Arco installed.jpg
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,197
how about if you remove the manifold on that side?
some people have to do that to get at the starter
if in fresh water the bolts should come out ok
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,197
I know where it is I can’t ACCESS it ,guess I’ll drop the alternator . thanks
Isn't your alt on the port side, below the P/S pump?
you were asking about starboard side drain...
 

Cedarcove

Cadet
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Messages
9
Isn't your alt on the port side, below the P/S pump?
you were asking about starboard side drain...
Yep ps on top alternator on bottom starboard side may be able to wrestle a hand in if I take off the serpentine belt .originally asking if anyone else had to do it that way I’m mean it’s tight got my arm in did the manifold took a few min to get my arm out
 

Rick Stephens

Admiral
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
6,118
I'd like to see a better picture of the engine compartment. Actually see what you are describing.

Rick
 

Cedarcove

Cadet
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Messages
9
Boat is at lake 3 hrs south will do that next Saturday.thanks for all the replies everyone .
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,197
The rear mounted P/S coolers on the OMCs and Volvos have a drain but its a finger buster to get at, I just disconnect the raw water intake hose at the thermo housing and hold that hose down in the bilge to drain then hold it up and fill with marine AF till it runs out the water intakes on the outdrive.
 

Rick Stephens

Admiral
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
6,118
The rear mounted P/S coolers on the OMCs and Volvos have a drain but its a finger buster to get at, I just disconnect the raw water intake hose at the thermo housing and hold that hose down in the bilge to drain then hold it up and fill with marine AF till it runs out the water intakes on the outdrive.
On a merc, once you have pulled the drive - which I do every winter and place on a stand - you can blow any water out the bellhousing end by using a rag and an air hose at the the thermostat end of the inlet hose connection.
 

Cedarcove

Cadet
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Messages
9
Correct my bad port side and spent an hr trying to reach in not possible for my fat arms so next I’ll be dropping alternator to see if I can get in that way
 
Top