Winterization mistake?

[kouellette77]

I wanted to save money last seeason and winterize my 2002 Merc. 260hp h/p myself. I received some info from a fellow boater, BIG MISTAKE!! I completed the following steps... i ran the boat with muffs and hose, about 10 min. Then removed hose and proceeded to add appx. 5-6 gallons of marine grade antifreeze till it was came out of exaust the color of antifreeze. I then fogged the carb till the engine stalled out. Next i removed all spark plugs and fogged each cylinder, slightly turning over engine as to distribute throughout. And i thought that was all. I was unaware of any other drain plugs (manifold, block,ect) What precautions should i take after removing my boat from storage, before running the engine?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Winterization mistake?

It sounds like the antifreeze was distributed well throughout the engine if it came out the exhaust so your probably ok if it the strength was good for -10 I don't know what the lowest temp was in your area but if it were me I would just clean the plugs anf try to run it in the driveway and watch everything closely, obviously if your bilge has antifreeze laying in it you have a problem or if your oil pan has antifreeze in it thats a bad sign too. theres probably a bunch of other pockets water could have been laying to freeze if it werent drained but like i say if it was me i would just go for the big run and watch it close and be prepared for emergency shut down and you won't waste the engine. I would be concerned about the condition of the drive too, it also has drains that should have been tended to.

 

[kouellette77]

Re: Winterization mistake?

Ok thank you!! Your info is greatly appreciated!! I will be sure to winterize more cautiously this year! If my engine is ok!! lol

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterization mistake?

If the engines thermostat wasn't opened, you may have not had antifreeze going into the engine. But it would go thru the manifolds and out the exhaust. This is why it's not recommended to run antifreeze into a raw water cooled engine with muffs. Even the manufactuers recommend you drain the block and back fill thru the thermstate opening if you want to put antifreeze in it.
Might have a read of this post from the Adults Only sticky.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=280921

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterization mistake?

What precautions should i take after removing my boat from storage, before running the engine?

Ayuh,... Pull it out,+ Fire it Up,....
Hopefully,.. There won't be any water in the oil when you're done....

If there isn't,.. You're Good to Go...
If there Is,... You'll probably need a New Block...