winterizing crash course

[fishtroll]

just inherited grandpa's boat. he's too old to<br />use anymore and grandma wanted it out of the garage. I never owned an I/O, but he told me it<br />needs to be winterized. he always took it in, but<br />I just don't have the money to pay someone else to do it right now. he's trying to find his service manual for me, but I am not very mechanically inclined.<br /><br />it's a '76 merc 140 straight 4 cyl.<br />it does NOT run (he thinks it's fuel pump)<br /><br />can u winterize if it's doesn't run?<br /><br />any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[djvan]

Re: winterizing crash course

Try using the red search icon. Keyword winterization. You can winterize a non running i/o. Not a full and proper winterization but one that will prevent the freezing and breaking of very expensive parts. You don't say where you live but if it's were it is cold you should tend to this very soon.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[lrlima]

Re: winterizing crash course

I beleive most will say for the main winterizing steps, you need to drain the water from the manifolds and block, change the engine oil, run fuel stabilizer, change the outdrive oil, fog the engine and cylinders, and lubricate various moving parts (gimbal, steering, etc).<br /><br />But because you're engine is not running, the biggest thing for you will be to get the water out of the engine and manifolds. Some say to add antifreeze, others say to leave the block dry - your call. <br /><br />You can do a search on winterizing and get a bunch of info. The people here are great. I'm also a newbie and have learned tons from this site. Just make sure you get the water out so nothing freezes and cracks, then fix the engine and winterize properly. <br /><br />Not familiar with your engine, but if its just a fuel pump, that may be an easy fix...

 

[fishtroll]

Re: winterizing crash course

thanks much.<br />how do I drain the water?

 

[jlinder]

Re: winterizing crash course

Things you can do without running the engine are to pull the plugs and spray fogging oil into the cylinders, then replace the plug.<br /><br />You want to store the I/O in the down position. When it is up it puts a strain on the bellows.<br /><br />Make sure the bow of the boat is high enough to insure that any water that gets in will run out the stern plug. You don't want water to build up in the bilge and freeze. <br /><br />A good idea is to lift the cushions and store them inside, or just put them on edge so moisture does not build up. (I am of course just talking of the boat cushions that just lift up).<br /><br />Remove the battery and store it inside. Charge it every few months to keep it at a full charge.<br /><br />People here are great. The more info you give the better your advice. What model of boat, what size, what brand of I/O, what brand of engine, where do you live, etc. The more you can tell us the better your answers will be.<br /><br />One note - if you need to replace the fuel pump you need to use a marine fuel pump, not an automotive pump. Marine pumps are made with extra attention to making sure they do not leak.<br /><br />Your engine is in a sealed compartment. A leak will cause fumes to build and a spark will ruin your whole day.<br /><br />Welcome to the group.

 

[fishtroll]

Re: winterizing crash course

thanks again.<br />as stated above it's a '76 merc 140.<br /><br />I live in jamestown NY and we have snow right now,<br />but I have a small window of 50+ degree days sunday and monday.<br /><br />afraid reading the topics in search isn't much help since I am not familiar with most of the terms.<br /><br />seems ther's a drain plug or 2 I can remove?<br />if someone could explain what they look like and exactly where they are located, at least I can drain the water.<br /><br />not perfect but it's a start.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: winterizing crash course

fishtroll.You need to get a manual for that motor and start reading now.A library is a good place to start looking.Some repair manuals will have good illustrations to guide you through and being as unfamiliar as you are with the motor,you will need the illustrations.Do you have a buddy that is a little more familiar with motors.A big question ....Is the outdrive on or off????

 

[fishtroll]

Re: winterizing crash course

outdrive is on.<br />don't think library is open till monday but I only got a couple more warm days b4 deep freeze sets in for good and I have to work monday.<br />was hoping to do it sunday.<br />will deff. buy a manual when I have a few extra bucks and read up this winter, but for now I'm kinda stuck.<br />gramps has a manual.... somewhere. I tried to help him find it even. maybe grama threw it out?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: winterizing crash course

I am not familiar with your motor but I am sure someone here is.If you dont seem to be getting anywhere,I would suggest you take off any hoses 1 end at a time and let them drain.I used to put a sock over and end and blow in it to push any water that may have collected in a manifold or riser.(the sock is to prevent the black ring that will otherwise be on your mouth when you are done.)Only take off 1 hose at a atime so you are assured they go back in the correct place.Look on the lower part of the motor block for anything that looks like a small valve with possibly a wing nut look to it.It will be made of brass.You wont have to do some of this if you have a small tank with antifreeze in it .Usually they are barrel shaped.You will have to post back what you find re:this.Get a can of fogging oil and spray some in the carb.Tap the ignition so the pistons move.Dont crank or you may damage the rubber impeller in the outdrive.Spray more foging oil in the carb and repeat.Since you are not sure how to drain the block and manifolds and if you just cant figure it out I would suggest you pour some straight antifreeze on each hose you remove and remember 1 side of a hose at a time.You must do every hose.This should at least get you started.Charlie

 

[mercrewser]

Re: winterizing crash course

That engine is done if it wasnt in the garage last night. 15 degrees here in SE PA. That will crack a 4 banger. Winterizing cant wait till its convienient this time of year, unless you havent pulled it from the garage yet.

 

[Weirdwalt]

Re: winterizing crash course

Thats right, it's too late now.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: winterizing crash course

2 drain plugs need to come out.Both on port side of the engine (opposite side from the starter).Both are brass/bronze color if original.1st is the block drain,on the side of the engine,low on the block,back towards the flywheel housing.2nd is above it,on the bottom of the intake/exhaust manifold.<br /><br />If no water comes out of either,probe with a stiff wire to disloge any rust buildup.If you encounter ice,try aiming a spotlight or two at the block.Just be careful of igniting a fire.<br /><br />Pulling sparkplugs is also a good idea.Lube the pistons and crank the engine over.Deal with the fuel problem in the spring,or work on it now,but if you try running it with water to it,redrain as noted above.If you do get it running then you can do a complete winterizing.<br /><br />DHP

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: winterizing crash course

Forgot to add ...of all Mercruiser engines the 120/140's are the strongest and most freeze resistant.Just keep your fingers crossed.<br /><br />DHP

 

[fishtroll]

Re: winterizing crash course

I'm a lucky guy...found this site outa the blue. <br /><br />gramps (88 young) delivered the boat 2 weeks ago one day when I was at work as an early x-mas present, so I have not had any time to pre-plan.<br /><br />sorry if my idiocy is hard to handle, but I had no idea about "winterization"<br /><br />what I know at this point:<br />he was on the lake last summer and the engine stalled and would not re-start. he pulled the "bent fuel tube???" off the pump and he wasn't getting fuel. boat has sat in his garage.<br /><br />been in my yard 2wks. and while it "MIGHT" be too late, I feel obligated to assume different and make some effort and pray for the best.<br /><br />would be nice if grandpa's motor ran this spring so I could take him fishing on Chattauqua lake.<br /><br />ps.<br />many thanks to DHP.

 

[fishtroll]

Re: winterizing crash course

port is left since has same # of letters right?<br />looking from front or back (bow or stern)???<br /><br />sorry 2 b such a noobie, but gotta take the chance sunday when it's over 50...<br /><br />can throw a small heater in the boat to make sure any frozen water becomes liquid too.

 

[Bondo]

Re: winterizing crash course

In addition to the 2 plugs DP states,.....<br />You should also loosen the hoseclamp,+ pull the lower end of the Big Hose at the very front of the motor,........<br />There's a good Pint hiding in there........<br /><br />It's been pretty Cool over on your end of the state,.........<br />DP's Right about the strengths of the I-4s,.....<br />But,............I Hope that you Really are a Lucky Guy...............<br /><br />BTW,....... The I-4s are known to Crack 1st right around to just above the Block Plug DP mentioned,........<br />If it Cracks to the Outside,..... Just Epoxy it Up,+ Go Boating...........<br />If it Cracks to the Inside,..................<br />Well,...... New Block comes to mind.........<br /><br /><br />(Edit)..... Port,... Left,..... The Boat's Left,.. Not Yours..............

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: winterizing crash course

fishtroll, you were lucky, i've only been here 2 weeks. these guys a fantastic in sharing their knowledge. i also was given a i/o this is my 1st. read as many post as you can, one day we might wish to be as knowledgable as the old men of the i/o. thanks to all you out there who are teaching us. we would pay thousands of $ going to school to learn this.

 

[fishtroll]

Re: winterizing crash course

fingers are crossed!<br />thank's bando, every little bit helps.<br /><br />please keep adding info till sunday when things thaw out for 2 days.<br /><br />57 on mon?

 

[djvan]

Re: winterizing crash course

Look here for some good info:<br /><br /> http://mercstuff.com/winterizing.htm <br /><br />DougV>

 

[driftwood47]

Re: winterizing crash course

Fishtroll<br />Everybody is a "Newbee" at some point. Try mercstuff.com- they have a great article on "Winterizing" as well as other info. Yes the guys here on I boats are great about sharing info.