Antifreeze technique question

[matthewjamesdunn]

Hello All new to the forum. I have a 1984 Searay 21' Cuddy cabin with Merc 228(5.0) I/O and Alpha 1 Gen 1 Outdrive. This is my first winterization and I'm just curious what the antifreeze technique for the block is. Is it necessary to run antifreeze through flushmuffs? Merc manual calls for draining the block with plugs and petcocks open and then fill with antifreeze through the thermostat cover and hoses till it runs through, no mention of running antifreeze through muffs. It seems a lot of guys like to use that technique though. Is it necessary? If outdrive is left down as it should be all the water should drain out right?? Also, do I need to run antifreeze through bilge and stepdown pumps (assuming they are run dry of raw water and boat is watertight for winter of course)?

Thanks in advance

Matt

 

[agallant80]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Some people use the muffs and some don't. I think the idea behind the muffs are that the motor gets hot and circulates the antifreeze through out the block and manifolds. Most people just drain the block, pull off the thermostat and fill the block with antifreeze.

With that said I wanted to make sure you knew that the antifreeze is the pink RV stuff, not the stuff you put in your car.

Super Tech RV & Marine Antifreeze: Automotive : Walmart.com

 

[agallant80]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Forgot to mention. Yes the outdrive is down when you store your boat. The water will drain.

 

[matthewjamesdunn]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Some people use the muffs and some don't. I think the idea behind the muffs are that the motor gets hot and circulates the antifreeze through out the block and manifolds. Most people just drain the block, pull off the thermostat and fill the block with antifreeze.

With that said I wanted to make sure you knew that the antifreeze is the pink RV stuff, not the stuff you put in your car.

Super Tech RV & Marine Antifreeze: Automotive : Walmart.com

Great thanks for info. ANy idea on how many gallons of the the pink stuff a Merc 5.0 will take to top off the block?

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

If you are going to do the RV Antifreeze.......get 4 gallons, that should cover it with some spillage going on.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Lots of blocks get cracked using muff to get antifreeze in the engine. People don't realize that just because it is coming out the exhaust doesn't mean it is going in the engine. The thermostat has to open and even then not all of it is actually going into the engine. I think Mercruiser has figured it out by now. If you are going to use anti-freeze get the RV anti-freeze and only put it in after the engine is already drained of water.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

I'd say skip it altogether and just drain the block/manifolds and be done with it. Air doesn't freeze.

 

[TheRussian]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Does Mercruiser still advise to use AF for winterization? My 1993 4.3 manual does not mention it at all. According to the manual I just need to drain all the water from the plugs and some hoses. I am guessing that maybe with your engine it was a standard procedure.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Does Mercruiser still advise to use AF for winterization? My 1993 4.3 manual does not mention it at all. According to the manual I just need to drain all the water from the plugs and some hoses. I am guessing that maybe with your engine it was a standard procedure.

I can't say for sure, but I'm not sure that Merc recommends it for any of their engines that are raw-water cooled. It doesn't do anything more than draining the block completely does, aside from being a bit of a rust inhibitor. At extremely low temps, RV antifreeze starts turning to slush, so I'd just assume not test the limits if I was in the far North.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

I have seen in some manuals that says you can used it for added protection. The way it was written made it sound like you can use it if it makes you feel better but to make sure it was drained completely first.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Figure about 2 gallons for the engine block and a gallon for each exhaust manifold., then about a gallon for the intake lines and hoses. So, about 5 gallons of fluid in the entire engine.

drawing in from the muffs takes care of the intake lines pretty well, but is uncertain about the engine and manifolds. That is why folks say to drain those things.

 

[airshot]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

I always follow the merc manual, drain and fill with antifreeze however I do use automotive antifreeze, I make sure it is drained out in the spring and flushed with water to make sure none is taken to the lake. I feel you should always run your boat at home to be sure it is ready before tying up the ramps. I use the automotive type for its anti-rust properties that the pink stuff does not have. These are just my preferences but my boat is an 1983 and still has the original engine so I figure I must be doing something right.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Most "pink" antifreeze does have corrosion protection. Just check the label. It is a lot cheaper too.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

I think the idea of putting the pink stuff in after draining the block is to dilute any water that may be left in there.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

I don't recall seeing anything in my Mercruiser manual about using antifreeze... It just says to drain the engine.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

I don't recall seeing anything in my Mercruiser manual about using antifreeze... It just says to drain the engine.

I guess it depends on which Mercruiser service manual you refer to.....

The following is excerpted from Mercury Service Manual #24

9. After seawater section of cooling system has been drained completely:
a. Install all drain plugs and tighten securely.
b. Reconnect hoses and tighten all hose clamps securely.
c. If NOT equipped with seacock: Seawater inlet hose must remain disconnected
and plugged until engine is to be restarted.

IMPORTANT: Mercury MerCruiser recommends that propylene glycol antifreeze
(nontoxic and biodegradable) be used in sea-water section of the cooling system for
cold weather or extended storage. Make sure that the propylene glycol antifreeze
contains a rust inhibitor and is recommended for use in marine engines. Be certain
to follow the propylene glycol manufacturer?s recommendations.
10. For additional assurance against freezing and corrosion in the internal water passages:
a. Remove the thermostat cover and thermostat.
b. Fill the engine seawater cooling system with a mixture of antifreeze and tap water
mixed to manufacturer?s recommendation to protect engine to the lowest tempera-
ture to which it will be exposed during cold weather or extended storage.
c. Using a new gasket, reinstall thermostat and cover. Tighten cover bolts to 30 lb-ft
(41 Nm).

//////////////////
Page 1B-44 90-861327--1 OCTOBER 1999

Also, It's important to note that the step to add Propylene Glycol comes AFTER completely draining the raw water side of the cooling system.

Drawing a mixture (or 100%) Prop-Glycol via the water pickup is just asking for a cracked block!


Regards,


Rick

 

[matthewjamesdunn]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

Yeah Im looking at Merc service manual # 3 off on boatinfo website. Page 7A-21 quotes "for additional assurance against freezing and rust fill the cooling system with a solution of permanent antifreeze and water (mixed to proportions depending on temp)" Not really specified as a requirement, but simply for assurance. I would use it simply for the rust prevention due to my motor being 30 years old. I will not be mixing with water, however, and the way I look at it, 25 bucks of antifreeze is pretty cheap assurance for a 30 year old boat. Additionally, because is a saltwater boat, whatever salt remnants there are in there after freshwater flush at least could be somewhat diluted with anitfreeze (just speculating)

Thanks for all the advice

Matt

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

They say drain the block.
Then they're covered.
They don't suggest adding anything cause of the liabilities??
They say add anti-freeze and the EPA's all over them for dumping antifreeze into the water(illegal).
The pink stuff works well.
Read this,from a friend.
http://forums.iboats.com/non-repair-i-o-inboards/antifreeze-technique-question-630620.html
Amazon.com: RicardoMarine's review of Camco 65501 Do It Yourself Boat Winterizer

 

[ricohman]

Re: Antifreeze technique question

I'd just drain the motor and put it away. Air won't freeze.
But antifreeze mixed with whatever left over water in the block sure will.