Winterization Question

[rickyp52]

The post about winterizing using the anti freeze and muff method has made me curious. There are folks who posted in the other thread that the only truly safe method is to drain the entire system dry. Are there any of you who have used the anti freeze method that have suffered engine damage or damage to the cooling system?<br /><br />Quite honestly, all I seem to have read so far on the subject is theories about why the anti freeze method might not be safe. No one has responded that I tried it and lost an engine or did other damage.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Winterization Question

hello<br /> I have seen some due to not draining the block prior to adding the antifreeze. if the engine t-stat does not stay open you can blow 5 gallons of AF through the risers. I always drain the block prior to running the AF mix through it. having the liquid in the cooling system helps cut down on corrosion.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Winterization Question

I tried it for the first time this year. I used to use antifreeze and had no problems but didn't like blowing it out over my yard every spring (even though it was the Eco kind). So after many back and forth on this board Don S from Alaska changed my mind. If it dosent work........ I have always wanted to go to Alaska and I will be able to kill two birds with one stone if you know what I mean.

 

[tommays]

Re: Winterization Question

ricky<br /><br />i believe that draining the block is the best all around way FOR ME<br /><br />any of the ways of doing it will work and will also cause damage if they are not done correctly <br /><br />what ever methoid you use it has to be done right or problems will follow<br /><br />tommays

 

[KaGee]

Re: Winterization Question

This is another thread that can go on and on.<br /><br />Rodbolt does what he does because he feels that is the best for his customers. And I respect his opinions.<br /><br />Others have different opinions. I don't think anyone has completed any research that can document which method is better. <br /><br />Personally, I did the dry method. I don't want that antifreeze... eco safe or not... ending up in the water supply that I have to later drink. I do not believe anymore corrosion will accumilate during storage dry than builds up during the time while in use.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Winterization Question

ricky, no matter what way it's done, if it's not done right damage can happen, just as tommy says.<br /><br />Now, do you think if someone messed up their own winterization, they are going to admit it to you on here? I don't think they will. You will only here the success stories.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Winterization Question

Originally posted by TilliamWe:<br /> ricky, no matter what way it's done, if it's not done right damage can happen, just as tommy says.<br /><br />Now, do you think if someone messed up their own winterization, they are going to admit it to you on here? I don't think they will. You will only here the success stories.

I will be the first one to say I f_ it up. I had a 302ci with about 30hrs on a rebuild and I cracked the heads one winter by doing the jug method. I figure the motor never got hot enough. It was about 35/40* out when I did it. Ran the motor till it reached operating temp then switched over to the jug and ran it till the antifreeze came out the exhaust. The next spring I was rebuilding it again. Maybe the thermostat closed half way through the jug or the A/F never made it that far. I don't know but I wasn't happy. After that time I started draining everything and filling it up will A/F buy hand. I did that for the last 5 years till this winter when I changed to the dry method. Results will follow in about a month but today I have to shovel off the snow.

 

[fireship1]

Re: Winterization Question

Hello, Winterizing is a fairly simple thing to do. I feel that the "jug winterizing kits are made for the novice do it yourselfer that doesn't know much about their boat's engine. It's to help them save a few bucks over the cost of bringing it to someone to do the work. I admit I was once one of those people. I own one of those things. Never did use it, I should list it on eBay, as I never plan to! My manual and this form has taught me much since the day I first acquired my boat. My take on the "fast winterizers" Is they waste more money than they save. They use way more antifreeze than you actually need. And they can cause your engine to not be winterized properly by having the thermostat close when the cooler antifreeze gets drawn into the system. It's best to remove the thermostat first. Than use the fast winterizing device. Than you will draw the solution into the motor and thus into the water jackets of the engine. Of course if you already have the thermostat out you can drain the water out of your block using the drain plugs, pour some antifreeze into your thermostat housing till it runs out the block drains (you want to dilute and push out the rest of the water) put the block drains back and fill the thermostat housing till full. Now you KNOW the block is protected. I follow up by draining the manifolds, oil coolers, etc. But my BLOCK is my main concern. Makes me sleep a bit better at night knowing that it's fully protected! Sorry to go off on a rant, but the way I see it....Winterizing is easy....Just read your manual and ask some friendly people here. They are allways willing to help. Don't take a chance with a "shortcut" tool made for amateurs. And if you really aren't sure pay someone who is....It will be cheeper than the cost of an engine come the springtime!