Winterizing

[Boatman 1]

I have a 2001 Mercury 3.0 liter with an Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive. The motor is equipped with the "quick drain" hoses. Usually when I winterize, I fog the engine and then drain the water. I then remove the thermostat and fill the block with the pink antifreeze. My question is this: could I fill a large tub with the antifreeze and with the lower unit submerged run the engine until the antifreeze is circulated throughout the engine? That way I would not have to remove the thermostat. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks to all.

 

[fendersfender]

Re: Winterizing

that will work, although.....i would run engine on muffs until engine is at operating temperature so that thermostat is open.....this will waste alot of antifreeze.......I rigged up a 5 gallon bucket, I drilled a hole at bottom of bucket and installed a cheap faucet (plastic water spigot from lowes $4), attached a short piece of garden hose and muffs....i warm the engine up to normal temp, set bucket on swim platform, or anywhere higher than motor, slip muffs on, open spigot and start motor and run at idle until i have run 3 or 4 gallons thru engine.