Winterization Question

[Jimminy Boat]

Hello. Doing my first winterization as I got tired of paying the marina. I have a Mercruiser 4.3LX w/ an Alpha One. 1996 Glastron. I have the manual and all the plugs (4) were located and pulled per the steps in the instructions. The hose to the water pump was pulled per instructions as well. The last step suggested I take off the thermostat cover (even suggested pouring water/antifreeze mix in that port) However, when I took that cover off, which is on the intake manifold, there was still water there. Can't figure out how or why. Tipped boat up and down to see if it would run out one of the 4 holes, etc. No luck. I can't imagine there should still be water there. I did put wire up the 4 plug holes but maybe I should have used a longer piece to check for obstructions? If I can't get the water to drain I'm going to have to put antifreeze in but I'm wondering if anyone encounters this. The motor runs great and cool, hardly ever over 140... Can't imagine I have a clog... What am I missing? Thanks, iBoats friends! Jimminy...

 

[NHGuy]

Well,did you remove the big J shaped hose from the water pump? Do that if you haven't.
And get a straightened coat hanger or something and poke in the 2 engine side drains that are low on the sides of the block. You should be able to break through a skim of rust and free quite a lot of water. I also pull the hose off at least one end of the power steering cooler that's on the port side or stern of the engine. I think on the 96 it's across the back of the motor.
Tilt the drive down once you have your spot, don't want it holding in any rain or snow.

 

[nickmo]

Is there just a residue of water or is it full of water? If it's full, the motor is not drained and there may be a blockage at one of the drains. I winterize the same way. I drain everything and let it sit for a while with the housing and hose off to let any water dry out, check the drains again, then pour antifreeze down the intake manifold. I know many here say that's not needed, that air won't freeze. I just feel better doing it that way.

 

[poconojoe]

Just to mention...you are using non-toxic antifreeze ( the pink RV type stuff) right? You might know this already. This stuff won't hurt the environment or any animals or pets while the automotive stuff is highly toxic and even has a sweet taste to any critters that may indulge.

 

[Bondo]

Is there just a residue of water or is it full of water?

Ayuh,..... The circulatin' water pump hides 'bout a quart of water, in the pump, pull the Big hose off, 'n it drains,.....
The tin backin' plate usually bulges out when frozen, 'n it's fine after it thaws, unless it blows out the seal,...

I discovered this when goin' fishin' in the dead of winter one time,...
Fired up the motor, 'n the belt was squealin' like crazy, popped the hatch to see the pulley wasn't turnin',...
Propane torched it a few minutes, 'n then went fishin',....
Been drainin' circulatin' water pumps ever since,....

This is also only true on the V-motors,....
The In-line motors, the water pump is in the block, so it drains, but I pull the Big hose off anyways,....

The Key to the Air Don't Freeze method is,.... Pokin', 'n prodin' the drain holes with a screw or nail,....
I prefer a 3" deck screw,.... One lives on the intake of my 4.3l, 'n several others in my various toolboxes,...

 

[nickmo]

I have a drain at the bottom of the circulating pump hose. I'm guessing that opening that will drain the pump.

 

[Benny67]

I use to pull all the hoses that were mentioned..poke the drain holes with a 6 penny finishing nail and remove the thermostat and fill the block with auto anti freeze...i'm not environmentally friendly or a tree hugger by any means.

Bondo is correct in saying air doesn?t freeze but I was always concerned with missing some water and figured I was not only helping my chances by using anti freeze but also felt that the auto anti freeze helped the block from corroding. I ran that boat in saltwater.

In the spring I would catch what I could with a tin can and then flush the rest out with the muffs. I wouldn?t let the dog or cat near where this water went cause it will kill them if they drank it. They LOVE anti freeze to drink cause it's sweet.

I now have twin fresh water cooled engines in my new(to me) boat...you just drain the heat exchangers,check the antifreeze with a hydrometer to make sure it's good. Fog the motor,put stabilizer in the fuel and I'm good till spring.

Oh and I also pull the plugs after fogging and add a shotglass full of marvel mystery oil to each cylinder, re install the plugs, pull the coil wire,crank the motor for a few turns and call it a season.

 

[Jimminy Boat]

Hi, all! Well I had done some of the suggested steps...especially checking for clogs. I re-pulled off the hoses you referenced just to make sure all residual water was out also... Then, I noticed a square pipe plug at the front left of the intake manifold...it escapes the eye at first... before sticking a wrench on it, I did a bit of research and it turns out later edition 96 Mercruisers, and some 97s, have a intake manifold drain plug... I then pulled that pipe plug and there came my water... This plug was not noted anywhere in my owner's manual with the step by step winterization instructions! I'm guessing the manual was printed prior to Merc's decision to put that plug in? I am thinking now I will put antifreeze in the top of the intake manifold. What proportions do you recommend? 50/50? Or just manufacturer's specs? As always, mates, I totally appreciate your suggestions! Priceless information! Thanks!