Is draining the block enough?

[dguertin73]

I bought a 2005 Larson SEI-180 with a 135 hp Mericruse engine 4 cylinder. I'm winterizing it as I live in Massachusetts. I have read the owners manual, etc...and am familiar with engines and electro-mechanical devices, though this is my 1st powerboat and I will say I am a rookie. With that said, the boat has the 2 blue tubes coming up from the block and I have released them and drained the block with the bildge running. I bought some RV anti-freeze that is rated up to -50 degrees. I have read some of the other winterizing posts and am wondering the following:

Is there anything else I should do to drain the water or are the tubes enough to empty it out? It is not a closed system for coolant, so I would think that this would be decent, but want to make sure. I will be adding the anti-freeze as well, but have the other fogging / oil change stuff to do prior.

Thanks in advance for any info on this and I appreciate any help.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Is draining the block enough?

I can almost bet that's not the only thing to do, according to the manual. I'd try doing exactly what it says.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Is draining the block enough?

You also need to drain the exhaust manifolds, and the heat exchanger if it has one.

Then change all the fluids. Grease all the fittings.

If it is an IO and you store outside, lower the drive or cover the prop hub to keep water from entering and freezing there and splitting the bullet.

 

[dguertin73]

Re: Is draining the block enough?

It does not have a heat exchanger but I will do the exhaust manifold. Is there a specific port or plug for this to be done? I could not find one, but I do see the exaust manifold....the large metal elbow.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Is draining the block enough?

There should be either a plastic or brass plug on the under side of the manifold.
Also you will want to remove the hoses off the water pump on the front of the engine.Allow everything to drain.Poke a wire in the block and manifold drains to unclog any rust buildup..
I use the RV antifreeze on I/O and pour it down the hoses until i see it running out of the block drains and dripping out of the drive.Close the drains and pour the hoses full...
Many people just drain and do not use the antifreeze.Air don't freeze but i feel better with the RV stuff in there.

 

[dguertin73]

Re: Is draining the block enough?

I literally JUST went down and took a peek at the boat. The twin blue hoses that drain the block come out right underneath the large metal elbow (exhaust manifold). Does this mean that the exhaust manifold and block are drained? I could not find anything near the large diameter (4 in) tubing from the exhaust manifold.....any htoughts?