Winterize in Missouri

[Jeff Young]

This is the first year that I am attempting to winterize my boat. I have a 2004 confused:Tahoe Ski and Fish with Mercuiser 4.3 (190hp). I keep hearing to just remove the drain plugs. My question is where are they? I found three. One on each side and one in front. How many are there? Does anyone have any pictures of where they are located? Help? I'm running out of time.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Winterize in Missouri

There should be one on each side of the block just above the oil pan.
Then one on each side of the exhaust manifolds.
Plus you need to pull the hoses at the thermostat housing and the large bottom hose on the engine water pump.

You really need someone to show you the first time...not worth risking a busted block or manifolds.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Winterize in Missouri

Howdy,

You not only need to remove the plugs, but you also need to poke a piece of wire in the each hole to help clear any debris and rust flakes that could be preventing the water from draining.

Even a few inches of water can crack an engine block.

Cast iron manifolds (since they're exposed metal inside) "shed" rust as they slowly wear out......slower in "fresh" water, faster in salt water... This rust plus sand other debris picked up by the raw water pump will slowly accumulate in the block and manifolds until it's up to the level of the drain holes. Just opening the valves or even removing them will not always drain all the water.

Cheers,

Rick

 

[Jeff Young]

Re: Winterize in Missouri

I will try that, but does anyone have any pictures of where the blue drain plugs are? I've looked in the manual and on line and havent found one.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Winterize in Missouri

They may be brass plugs....Not all the engines have the blue plastic plugs.

 

[mpdcam]

Re: Winterize in Missouri

I pulled all my plugs and let all the water drain out. I then borrowed a friends winterizing tank and pumped non toxic anti-freeze though the engine. That way there wont be any plain water in the engine to freeze and it will help protect from rust and corrosion. A little fogging spray into the carb while riunning and into the cylnders and she is good to go for the winter. I feel good knowing there is anit-freeze in the block and risers, and come spring, it wont be hard to drain as its non-toxic stuff.

 

[Jeff Young]

Re: Winterize in Missouri

I removed all blue plugs and let the water drain out and the replaced them. Then I took off the two hoses on the thermostat and removed the thermostat. I filled up the block with anti freeze and filled up both top hoses until they overflowed. I should be good, I hope.