Simple winterization process / draining 4.3gl

[Lou C]

You know as long as that hose is full of water and your muffs are on tightly and you turn on the water before starting the engine it should be fine, I like to add the dawn because the impeller has been sitting dry all winter.

 

[rossbar86]

You know as long as that hose is full of water and your muffs are on tightly and you turn on the water before starting the engine it should be fine, I like to add the dawn because the impeller has been sitting dry all winter.

Thank you

 

[rossbar86]

Alright, so two more questions…I still have the outdrive off (didn’t get to trying to repair this Winter) and I attached the hose but forgot to put towels in the bellows before turning the water on. Some water got in the bellows and may have gone in the hole …is that a big deal or will it dry out if it did? I used a flashlight but couldn’t see if any got in there.



Second question, what am I looking for when running the engine to make sure nothing cracked over the winter. Just make sure temp doesn’t get too hot and look for leaks ?

 

[Scott Danforth]

a little spray of water in the shaft hole is not an issue

you want to run the motor up to temperature at an idle with the hose on full blast

 

[rossbar86]

a little spray of water in the shaft hole is not an issue

you want to run the motor up to temperature at an idle with the hose on full blast

Thank you

 

[rossbar86]

a little spray of water in the shaft hole is not an issue

you want to run the motor up to temperature at an idle with the hose on full blast

It may have been more than a little spray cause quite a bit got in the bellows before I turned the hose off…my litte contraption sprays upwards. is rust not a concern because it will dry out ?

 

[Bondo]

It may have been more than a little spray cause quite a bit got in the bellows before I turned the hose off…my litte contraption sprays upwards. is rust not a concern because it will dry out ?

Ayuh,..... No problem,...... Just keep the greasy parts, Greasy,.....

If yer that concerned, wipe things down with a rag,.....

 

[rossbar86]

Ayuh,..... No problem,...... Just keep the greasy parts, Greasy,.....

If yer that concerned, wipe things down with a rag,.....

Thanks, figured I was probably overthinking it.

 

[Lou C]

Alright, so two more questions…I still have the outdrive off (didn’t get to trying to repair this Winter) and I attached the hose but forgot to put towels in the bellows before turning the water on. Some water got in the bellows and may have gone in the hole …is that a big deal or will it dry out if it did? I used a flashlight but couldn’t see if any got in there.

View attachment 406943

Second question, what am I looking for when running the engine to make sure nothing cracked over the winter. Just make sure temp doesn’t get too hot and look for leaks ?

Look at lower section of exhaust manifolds and engine block for cracks & rust stains and for water in the engine oil. Since I fill mine with PG AF I always verify freeze protection with a refractometer.

 

[Lou C]

I mix my own....cheaper than -100 (-55 freeze protection) 50/50 mix gives you freeze protection down to -26, but can increase it to suit your climate.
Does it help reduce corrosion? 1988 block and intake are original, used in salt water close to 25 years now, 6 month season, moored in the salt, no flush till the end of season. Heads were replaced but due to overheat damage.
I see this as the same as spraying your trailer leaf springs and anything else you don't want to corrode with lanolin based corrosion sprays....they really do slow down the corrosion on previously rusted parts and prevent it on non rusted steel.

 

[rossbar86]

Look at lower section of exhaust manifolds and engine block for cracks & rust stains and for water in the engine oil. Since I fill mine with PG AF I always verify freeze protection with a refractometer.

Check for water in the engine oil just on the dipstick? How do you check for that?

 

[Lou C]

It will look milky and the level will be higher than normal, also if you remove the oil cap, inside the valve cover there will be an emulsion that looks like mayonnaise. Here's mine after blown head gaskets. This led to a top engine overhaul in 2017.

 

[rossbar86]

if I choose to use AF…roughly how much would I need? Like 5 gallons? Also, I see some people talking about 50/50 but the label on the West Marine AF -100 says no need to dilute. Safe to just use straight from the jug?

Hey again, you were a lot of help to me winterizing last year Lou. I am unable to find the West Marine AF -100, but have you used this one? Is it a suitable replacement?

Starbrite Sea Safe Non-Toxic Anti-Freeze, -100F

Protect your boat engine with Starbrite Sea Safe Non-Toxic Marine Antifreeze, -100F from Wholesale Marine. Provides cold weather and corrosion protection.

www.wholesalemarine.com

 

[Lou C]

That stuff is fine & is likely the same stuff as West Marine’s. If I can’t find the Sierra PG stuff that I mix with water I’d use it myself. So yep use that….

 

[rossbar86]

That stuff is fine & is likely the same stuff as West Marine’s. If I can’t find the Sierra PG stuff that I mix with water I’d use it myself. So yep use that….

Thanks Lou!