Winterizing

[Philster]

Re: Winterizing

I thought the water was in and out unlike a car.

It doesn't drain out, because it can't go up. To leave an inboard/outboard, the water has to be ejected up and then down/out. When you shut the engine, the water is essentially trapped: Can't go back out past the pump, and it can't -- obviously -- climb its way up the manifolds/risers and slide down the exhaust pipes.

So, you have drains at the lowest points in the system. Every April and May around these boards are filled with stories of cracked blocks. People don't think 30 degrees can freeze water ( seriously). Some don't believe 28 degrees can freeze water (seriously). Some think tiny light bulbs can keep water from freezing (No, they really believe this). Some miss a drain plug. Some do get all the plugs, but not all the water runs out the plugs because the plugs are, well... plugged up with some debris.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Winterizing

I have the single point drain valve on my 4.3 MPI. Whenever I open that valve, quite a bit of water drains out- several quarts or perhaps a gallon or so? Certainly enough to cause considerable damage if left to freeze. So no, engine is not self draining.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Winterizing

I am in S FLA and I'm debating on what to do in a couple months too.

Usually it is only cold down here for a couple weeks. There is usually a few days every 2 weeks that are good boating weather.

But sometimes it does drop down to 30 for a day or two.


I might just keep an eye on the weather and if it is gonna drop below 40 I will just drain it. What I don't know is if I have to go through the whole entire winterization process. Or if I can just get away with draining the engine.

The way it will probably go is, weather calls for under 40 for a couple days, I will drain the engine, about a week later it will get up to 70 and I will be using the boat. So I dunno.

 

[extreme76]

Re: Winterizing

I live in Nebraska so I definitely winterize, but will boat well into October maybe November. As I get into October I just drain the engine everytime while on the trailer still at the ramp (out of the way of course). I pull all the plugs and hoses at the ramp and open the plug and drive home. Once home I check that all the drains are free and water is clear, shop vac the bilge and put her away. This isn't something I can afford to procrastinate. Come November on a nice day I do all the other "winterizing" stuff.

 

[scoflaw]

Re: Winterizing

So, if I understand correctly, opening all the drains will prevent freezing, and the antifreeze is only added to prevent corrosion? What about the sea water pump? Thats one of the lowest parts and I see no drain next to it.

 

[extreme76]

Re: Winterizing

So, if I understand correctly, opening all the drains will prevent freezing, and the antifreeze is only added to prevent corrosion? What about the sea water pump? Thats one of the lowest parts and I see no drain next to it.

Draining all the water will prevent freezing. Noticed I didn't say opening all the drains. (you have to make sure they are not plugged) Antifreeze is not needed to prevent freezing as there is nothing to freeze. The sea water pump will self drain (with drive down), you usually just bump the starter and it spins the impeller to make sure no water is "trapped", along with making sure the drain areas of the lower unit are not plugged with debris. The basic draining procedure is well documented on the board, just do a search on the subject.

 

[extreme76]

Re: Winterizing

What I don't know is if I have to go through the whole entire winterization process. Or if I can just get away with draining the engine..

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The "winterization" process typically involves freeze prevention, general maintenance, and preparation for layup. You should do freeze prevention (draining, making sure no water in the fluids, etc...) and obviously you need to do general maintenance but that can be done anytime on a routine schedule (doesn't have to be "winter"). If you are not going to go a long period without use I see no need for fogging, antifreeze, etc... that is actually prepping your boat for layup which it appears you will not need.

 

[Todd157k]

Re: Winterizing

"Freezing" isn't the biggest issue here unless you're near the mountain areas.. it's dampness with the rains and condensation in your tank and carb. A little gas treatment is a good idea. (and a full tank of gas)

 

[Philster]

Re: Winterizing

Freezing is a BIG ISSUE, right down to Florida... which has cracked blocks galore after 2010's winter.

Ain't needin' to be 'round no mountains for freezing.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Winterizing

So in S Florida as long as the boat is not sittig for a pong tile all that is needed is to drain the water right?

No need for anti freeze, fogging, etc?