Winterize and the Thermostat

[summerwind1991]

This is first time using DIY winterization kit. Last year just pulled the plugs and hoses. However, I trying to get an understanding why after running engine off muff and AF. I double checked and pulled out blue plug on the 5.7 merc and water came out, not the AF I expected. I had 3 gallons in kit. Stupid question, but until thermostat hits 160-170, does the engine not draw from muffs for circulation?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Winterize and the Thermostat

Until the motor heats up and opens the Stat All the way, it goes right into and out the manifolds. Even when the stat is open, a majority goes right to the manifolds. Its so much easier and fail safe to just drain everything, then leave it dry. If you want AF, pop the Stat and fill it up. Also if you have Manifold plugs, pop them and pour some in there too.. Then drain every thing in the spring out the bilge into a container, and dispose of properly. Of course, leaving it dry cuts out that step.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Winterize and the Thermostat

That's making more and more sense, less worry. However there's that school of thought that the AF will be a preventative. Regarding the plugs, I believe most are all upside down, not sure how to pour AF in. Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterize and the Thermostat

That is exactly why a raw water cooled engine should NOT be run to get antifreeze into the engine. Even with the stat open a little bit you may not get enough antifreeze thru the engine to completely protect it. Draining the cooling system is the only SURE way of getting the block so there won't be freeze damage. Now, if you want AF in the engine, pulling the stat and pouring in AF after it has been drained is the only sure way of doing it. If you don't believe it, come back in the spring and read all the posts about broken blocks on raw water cooled engines that used the engine running method.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Winterize and the Thermostat

man, i'm just storeing with air.as i'm with the air don't freeze crowd..... corroision protection? for me, why bother....something else catostophic will break before my block rusts thru is my guesson my 1975 boat..........if i am here for a broke block or manifold next season, it's my own falt. i say the water is out of my il6......if i'm broke next spring i'm gonna be real disappointed in me.............hope i this statement don't come back to haunt me.........oh, i did get some crap out my manifold draine this last time drinein, rusty flakes. probably not from the manifold i'm thinkin, as it's new and had nice black ceramic paint ontoit on the inside best i could tell.......rusty block on the inside i'd assume?? freash water use best i can tell all it's life??

 

[1993 Celebrity 4.3]

Re: Winterize and the Thermostat

That is exactly why a raw water cooled engine should NOT be run to get antifreeze into the engine. Even with the stat open a little bit you may not get enough antifreeze thru the engine to completely protect it. Draining the cooling system is the only SURE way of getting the block so there won't be freeze damage. Now, if you want AF in the engine, pulling the stat and pouring in AF after it has been drained is the only sure way of doing it. If you don't believe it, come back in the spring and read all the posts about broken blocks on raw water cooled engines that used the engine running method.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Winterize and the Thermostat

Air don't freeze is accurate,at least I don't want to see it happen.Well maybe on tape or DVD.

Where do you think those rust flakes come from Ziggy ?

It is the inside walls of your block.And the flakes that don't come out just settle down in the water jacket and build up./cut down circulationAnd cause over heating..Be glad you don't have a V6 or V8 ... double damage,sooner.

The engine has raw water sitting in it all season causing rust,now you put air to it.Good luck

How are your drain plugs ? Do even new plugs seem to thread in too far,almost into the hole ?.

Sorry I really am strong on this subject,and told you ALL my reasons,but this is how I see it.

Put antifreeze in it.

DHP

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Winterize and the Thermostat

Summerwind, I also recommend you put full strength AF in the block. You do not need to remove the thermostat to do a through job of it however. After you pull the drain plugs and the dripping stops, add some AF to each hose, until it emerges from the corresponding drain. No reinstall the plug, and fill up the hose, and the block and manifolds will fill up as well. Drain, save and reuse the AF next fall.