Winterization After Docking for the Season

[FreeBeeTony]

Well I pulled the Grady (Merc 165 IL6) out of the water this w/e after being docked since May 1st. Bottom was in great shape, no real growth except for some algae which came right off with the power washer. I was a little apprehensive when I pulled the drive off...was hoping everything was dry.....which it was, the new u-joints I installed last winter looked great! and there was no gear lube in the bellows which means I did a good jop on the seals!This is the first year I am winterizing with my FWC system. I ran about 3 gals of the pink antifreeze through the outdrive before I pulled it, and at the end I "Fogged" the engine by pouring MM fluid into the carb. Next I will pull the outdrive apart and inspect the water impeller and housing. I think I am going to replace the manifold this year, hopefully it will help the cooling ( ran about 190 in the summer, climbed to 210 after coming off plane). How often is the bellows supposed to be replaced, mine doesn't looked dried out or anything. I don't want to replace it just for the hell of it!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Winterization After Docking for the Season

Originally posted by FreeBeeTony:<br /> Bottom was in great shape, no real growth except for some algae which came right off with the power washer.

Told ya it would look better than ya thought. And on the bellows, I myself would never put a old one back on, but then again, I'm paranoid. Really depends on age and if it didn't get abused coming off. One pin hole can wreck yer day later..

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Winterization After Docking for the Season

Didn't remove the bellows as of yet......just wondering how often they should be replaced.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Winterization After Docking for the Season

Tony,there is no such thing as "replacing something just for the heck of it"It is called preventative maintenance!!!!When in doubt---change it out Whenever I get a new,used boat I replace drive shaft bellows,shift cable and bellows,exhaust bellows etc. Im not saying my way is right ....But it aint wrong Charlie

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterization After Docking for the Season

Hi Tony,<br />Glad to hear you've had a Sucessful Season........<br /><br />Your Temps are running a little above the T-stat, But Not Tooo Hot...... Gotta remember, You're cooling the Manifold, as well as the engine....<br />Even coming off plane, you're not Really in any kind of Danger Zone.......<br />Anti-Freeze, Under Pressure, Boils Way Above 212*.............. <br /><br />As for your Bellows,<br />Wipe the insides out clean, then start Poking, Proding, Pulling, Wiggling, Squeezing, Bending, You get the Idea.........<br />Look EveryWhere.... If you don't see any Cracking, or Injuries, Or Anything Else that catches your Eye,<br />Run It........<br /><br />If you Do find an Issue, I Agree Completely with Charlie........<br />If I open up a Gimbel to replace Any piece of Rubber, it gets All New Rubber................

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Winterization After Docking for the Season

Hey bondo.........thanks for chiming in!<br /><br />Yes, it was a successful year.....no major problems...just the trim cylinder in the middle of the summer. Not bad over all. And the outdrive held up after all the work I did on it!<br /><br />I will give the bellows a good inspection, if it's questionable I will replace it.<br /><br />Hope your year was just as good......still fishing?