FWC/Winterizing question

[skargo]

My boat has a bypass hookup installed by the PO so you can plug a hose right in, no need for muffs.
Can I run the pink antifreeze through this, and will it get everywhere it needs to go.

The closed side is good to go since I have a proper mix of automotive antifreeze there.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

Go up to the Adults section for winterizing info. Many ways people do it but unless you drain the raw water side first ,it`s a gamble.Guess wrong and you lose the heat exchanger,and risers.

 

[skargo]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

I have no problem draining it first, just wondering if the bypass in my picture will get the antifreeze everywhere it needs to be, after I drain it.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

I think the answer is no.

I have a similar looking flushing point on my much newer Volvo and it's really for flushing the engine after running in salt water. It's not a bypass for the thermostat which is really where you need to be concerned about getting antifreeze into the block.

Good luck.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

Howdy,

I have ("FULL") closed cooling on my 454/Bravo. I "winterize" using Anti-freeze in a large tub and use "muffs" after priming the system and allowing the short hose on the adapter (muffs) to sit in the tub.

I then position the tub under the transom to catch all the discharge so it can circulate. I don't get much if any out the prop.

This allows AF mix to run thru the raw pump, oil/ps coolers, associated plumbing, "raw" side of the heat exchanger and out thru the raw water cooled risers and back into my "tub".

I don't have to drain anything since ALL the AF mix circulates thru the entire "raw side" of the system.

After I'm though, whatever liquid that is pooled in the plumbing, oil/ps coolers, main heat exchanger and risers IS AF.

If you're not running the engine when you pump the fluid thru yours you're fine, you just need to make sure that you're purging all the raw water from the associated plumbing.

If you are running the engine (which I do so I can fog it) You need to make sure that your AF mix also runs thru the raw water pump. If you have an Alpha, the only easy way you can get fluid thru the pump is to use a flush adapter (muffs)


This method is really not advisable with a raw water cooled engine because the thermostat takes a long time to open and may not open very much. Because of this, you only get a small mount of mixing in the engine so that the AF:water ratio may not be enough to prevent freezing in very cold temps.

Your best bet here is to completely drain the block, manifolds, risers, plumbing etc BEFORE putting AF in........but then after you drain everything you don't need to pour in the AF!




Cheers,

Rick

 

[Bondo]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

I have no problem draining it first, just wondering if the bypass in my picture will get the antifreeze everywhere it needs to be, after I drain it.

Ayuh,... Your picture is Lacking,.. It don't even show How the plumbing is lain out....
Are We supposed to just Guess,..??

If you just DRAIN the raw water side,... It's Done.... Air don't freeze....

 

[skargo]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

I think the answer is no.

I have a similar looking flushing point on my much newer Volvo and it's really for flushing the engine after running in salt water. It's not a bypass for the thermostat which is really where you need to be concerned about getting antifreeze into the block.

Good luck.

Why would I be concerned about getting antifreeze to the t-stat, I have closed cooling and the thermostat has antifreeze all the time.

 

[Don S]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

Do you have an engine driven raw water pump? If so, is that "Bypass" hose before or after the raw water pump. As long as it's on the intake side of the pump, you can put antifreeze into the raw water side of the cooling system very easily by just running the engine. Since you have a closed cooling system, all the antifreeze will push the water through the heat exchanger, manifolds, and risers and out the exhaust. Just check the antifreeze out the back of the boat. when it's low enough, your good through the manifolds and HE.
It won't work if your "Bypass" is hooked up to the outlet side of the raw water pump. You would destroy your pump because it would be running dry.

 

[skargo]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

Thanks Don, it is on the intake side, it's how I, and the PO run the boat on land.
So I should be good. Although, like Bond-o said, air don't freeze, so maybe I'll just forgo dumping money down the drain. It will be winterized this weekend either way, and that makes me a bit sad.

 

[Don S]

Re: FWC/Winterizing question

I agree, air doesn't freeze, and there is no reason to use antifreeze. However, a lot of people don't want to hear that antifreeze is not necessary. have a look at the poll in this forum.