If winterizing thw "wrong " way-thermostat in or out?

[muskyfins]

Just picked up a new to me 1995 Rinker Fiesta Vee 265 with a 5.7 bravo 1. I have a short time table to get her winterized.

When looking for drain plugs,....well, I couldn't find drain plugs on the manifolds. And the engine is pretty deep in the compartment, so although I was able to get my hands on the block drain plugs, given the fact it was a "blind" feel for the plugs, I didn't think it was prudent to remove what I THINK was a drain plug. Therefore I believe for the first time ever, i will have to winterize with the antifreeze through the muffs method. I know this is a hotly contested issue on I boats, but I feel a little against the wall here. Anyway, question is-since i already removed the thermostat, can I just winterize with it out and replace it in the spring? Does this ensure antifreeze gets everywhere? I'm pretty meticulous, so I'm not worried about forgetting to replace it.

Also, FWIW. Where should the seawater pump be? Always thought it was STBD side low mount? Nothing there. Just fuel/water seperator and fuel pump. No belts run to that side of engine.

 

[Bt Doctur]

post some pics because the Bravo uses a engine mounted pump. Try again to remove the block drains and either the wingded plugs in the bottom of the elbow where the hoses connect to the manifold or remove the hoses from the manifold to drain them.

 

[Alumarine]

You could try and take a picture with a phone or camera to determine where the plugs were.

 

[muskyfins]

post some pics because the Bravo uses a engine mounted pump. Try again to remove the block drains and either the wingded plugs in the bottom of the elbow where the hoses connect to the manifold or remove the hoses from the manifold to drain them.

There are no elbows leading to the manifolds. Formed hose attaches directly to bottom of manifold. I considered removing these also.

The plugs I felt down there weren't winged. Square head pipe plug style. Which is why I didn't remove them. Don't know for sure what it is.

I'll get pics ASAP.

 

[Bt Doctur]

could very well be 1/4 inch pipe plugs with the square head .By elbows I meant the 90 degree fitting that is screwed into the bottom of the manifoilds
where the hoses attach. post a pic of the drive also.

 

[thumpar]

My setup is very similar to yours. You should have plugs on the bottom of the manifolds about 1/2 in between on each one. Mine are the blue kind but you may have brass. Then below that on the block is the block drains. Some engines have a knock sensor and if you do it will be on the starboard side and the drain will be in the "Y", not directly in the block. If you can't find the seawater pump follow the hoses. Those need to be removed too. The big hose on the water circ pump holds lots of water so remove it. You most likely have power steering and the cooler needs to be drained. I have to play contortionist for about 45 minutes to get mine drained but it is better than having to replace an engine.

 

[muskyfins]

I'm going to work on pics, but can't make any promises.

Getting back to my main question-if I feel I have to go the AF route, would removing the t-stat ensure circulation basically everywhere without worry of engine temp (or t-stat failure)....also wouldn't AF get pumped all the other places? Sea water pump? Power steering cooler?

It's not my first choice, but I might be up against a wall. Got to get it done this Saturday before cold spell.

 

[thumpar]

It would circulate but all you are doing is diluting the water that is already in there.

 

[Bondo]

There are no elbows leading to the manifolds. Formed hose attaches directly to bottom of manifold. I considered removing these also.

The plugs I felt down there weren't winged. Square head pipe plug style. Which is why I didn't remove them. Don't know for sure what it is.

I'll get pics ASAP.

Ayuh,..... As noted above, pull the hose off the fittin' to drain the manifolds/ riser,....
A Hose Pick, will make the task,. Much Easier,....

The square head plugs Are the block drains, Pull 'em, 'n poke the holes with a nail or screw to knock the crud outa the way,...

Also pull the Big hose off the circulatin' water pump, it'll hide nearly a quart sometimes,...
Pull 1 of the big hoses off the P/S cooler, if it ain't got a drain on it,...

Are ya Sure it's a Bravo,..?? It's Gotta have a motor driven raw water pump if it is,....
Usually where ya say it ain't,...

 

[muskyfins]

I really appreciate all the help. You guys have never let me down.

I have always drained every boat i've ever had, but this is my first cruiser and as I said the engine is way, way down there. And I'm a very large human being.

I am aware that I'll only dilute the water that's in there, but if I can get 50% using -100AF, I should be good to -50. Coldest I've seen here in the last 20 years was -19. Yes cold, but long way from -50. Most years the absolute coldest is about 0F.

I figured the square plug was probably a drain, but i could only feel it and not actually see it. Seemed a risk.

I have never owned a bravo before, but she says Bravo right on her and has the forward anode on the vertical section of the case. And she's noticeably bigger than any of my alpha's.

 

[Bondo]

I really appreciate all the help. You guys have never let me down.

I have always drained every boat i've ever had, but this is my first cruiser and as I said the engine is way, way down there. And I'm a very large human being.

I am aware that I'll only dilute the water that's in there, but if I can get 50% using -100AF, I should be good to -50. Coldest I've seen here in the last 20 years was -19. Yes cold, but long way from -50. Most years the absolute coldest is about 0F.

I figured the square plug was probably a drain, but i could only feel it and not actually see it. Seemed a risk.

I have never owned a bravo before, but she says Bravo right on her and has the forward anode on the vertical section of the case. And she's noticeably bigger than any of my alpha's.

Ayuh,..... Ya got any kids or grandkids that are somewhat Handy,..?? long arms are a Plus,....

How 'bout that fishin' buddy that never has gas money,..??

I, personally, couldn't sleep at night if ya do what yer plannin' to do,....

Air don't freeze,.... Diluted antifreeze, is a shaky bet,.....

 

[Maclin]

Draining is the first step in any valid and reliable and vetted winterizing procedure. Don't go into Winter without it.

 

[Bt Doctur]

this is a bravo

 

[lg260ss]

I really appreciate all the help. You guys have never let me down.

I have always drained every boat i've ever had, but this is my first cruiser and as I said the engine is way, way down there. And I'm a very large human being.

I am aware that I'll only dilute the water that's in there, but if I can get 50% using -100AF, I should be good to -50. Coldest I've seen here in the last 20 years was -19. Yes cold, but long way from -50. Most years the absolute coldest is about 0F.

I figured the square plug was probably a drain, but i could only feel it and not actually see it. Seemed a risk.

I have never owned a bravo before, but she says Bravo right on her and has the forward anode on the vertical section of the case. And she's noticeably bigger than any of my alpha's.

How do you know that you will even get 50% of the water out? How do you know that mixing -100AF with water makes it safe to -50? Please drain everything first, It's not worth the risk, Is it?

 

[bruceb58]

If you don't get the drains out, don't come crying to us in May when your oil looks like a milk shake.

 

[thumpar]

If you don't have the engine driven seawater pump it is not a Bravo. On engines with serpentine belt it runs off the one belt that is on the engine. For engines with V belts it has it's own belt. There are 2 hoses coming off the back. One to the drive or thru-hull pickup and one to the thermostat housing after running through the PS cooler and cool fuel if equipped.

 

[muskyfins]

this is a bravo

Yes. I'm 100% positive it's a bravo. Never was any doubt.

As to the sea water pump-maybe it's down there without a belt. I'll have a closer look and confirm tomorrow. There are only 2 belts on the engine. Both run to the port side. One is nearest the block and connected to something mounted low. It wasn't a priority when I was in there at the time, and my view was obstructed, but I'm fairly confident it's the alternator. The other belt is connected to the power steering pump which is mounted high and plainly visible. That belt is running in the groove furthest away from the block. I did notice that there exists another groove in the middle with no belt running in it. Was probably intended for the sea water pump. It is entirely possible that the sea water pump is there but has no belt running to it. Again it will require a closer look. (although there are several fuel lines running to the fuel/water separator in that area that would make routing a belt tricky)

 

[muskyfins]

PS-I have taken Bond-O's advice and have the boy coming home from college this weekend. As I stated, my primary issue is access. He's more than a little mechanical. (and less than half my size) I'm more line backer and he's more slot receiver. He can probably get himself into the engine compartment.

Draining the block-DONE.

 

[Bondo]

PS-I have taken Bond-O's advice and have the boy coming home from college this weekend. As I stated, my primary issue is access. He's more than a little mechanical. (and less than half my size) I'm more line backer and he's more slot receiver. He can probably get himself into the engine compartment.

Draining the block-DONE.

Ayuh,.... Great to hear that,.....

 

[thumpar]

Did you ever see it run or take a sea trial? Without the seawater pump turning it would overheat and burn up the rubber parts in the exhaust.