water gauge winterize ??

[colayn]

I have my first boat with a water pressure gauge. ZX185
I fish all winter and temps here can drop to around zero.
Boat is kept inside, but no heat (barn)

Would like to see what everybody thinks about disconnecting the water supply line or installing a drain valve ?

Appreciate the input

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: water gauge winterize ??

I don't believe it's necessary. Put the engine down so most of the water can drain out and you're good to go. If some water in the line to the pressure gauge freezes all that's going to happen is the gauge will register some amount of pressure 'till it thaws.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: water gauge winterize ??

There is no or very little water in that line. Pressure from the pump compresses the air in the line which operates the gauge. There is no actual "water flow" into and out of the gauge. If there was, you would need two lines (one in and one out). Works the same way as the speedometer and nobody drains that line.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: water gauge winterize ??

I have had the ice destroy my water pressure gauge. It happened just last year. I now pull the water hose off before the winter freeze.

If you have an air leak in the hose, water can be pumped into the gauge. Under the correct circumstances, it can stay there and crush the gauge internals. I will bet it won't happen on most boats, but on my speedboat, which is low profile, it did happen.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: water gauge winterize ??

The only way water can get to the gauge is IF and ONLY if the tube connection at the gauge is leaking, there is an internal leak in the gauge, or the tube itself is leaking near the gauge. In any of these scenarios, there would be a wet spot under the console as the water would have to come out. If the water pressure gauge and its tube were ok, then the speedo should have been damaged as well as it is exactly the same type of gauge.

 

[jevery]

Re: water gauge winterize ??

Teleflex actually recommends winterizing the water pressure gauge and the speedometer system in freezing weather by disconnecting, but a lot of the bass boaters just install a T & a ball valve in the water pressure gauge line. I've heard that the speedometers and the water pressure gauges in the new Rangers receive electric signal via senders on the back of the boat.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: water gauge winterize ??

Disconnect the line and with a syringe inject some isopropyl alcohol into the line, do not put excessive amounts in the line, you could even use a small amount of antifreeze.

Obviously this is for those die hard people that go out on water that doesn't freeze solid in the winter.................I would have to put my boat up on ski's here in Minnesota....lol.

 

[colayn]

Re: water gauge winterize ??

Disconnect the line and with a syringe inject some isopropyl alcohol into the line, do not put excessive amounts in the line, you could even use a small amount of antifreeze.

Obviously this is for those die hard people that go out on water that doesn't freeze solid in the winter.................I would have to put my boat up on ski's here in Minnesota....lol.

Thanks SixMark, that is a great idea.
The best of both worlds, keep the use of my gauge with peace of mind not destroying it.
I agree, seems there should only be air in the line but this would be good insurance