Winterize Cooling System after each use in Upper Michigan...

[MarineMariner]

1982 Sea Ray Cuddy 225 5.7l gm mercruiser 260hp

Hey quick question about this frigid climate up in the UP... I still wanna fish for another month, but at night and during some of the days I am worried about the potential
freeze of my engine/out drive. Would I be correct assuming I am doing everything I need to be by doing these steps to protect my engine and my drive system?

Drain both manifolds, both water jackets, put the out drive in the down position, assure the lower unit has no water in the bottom and pull pipe thread plug on bottom of transom

I never get water in my lower unit, but I will check it before the BIG freeze

Can anyone tell me if I am doing everything I need to do?

Thank You!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterize Cooling System after each use in Upper Michigan...

Drain both manifolds, both water jackets, put the out drive in the down position, assure the lower unit has no water in the bottom and pull pipe thread plug on bottom of transom

Ayuh,... 'n use a screw or nail to prod the crud outa the drains, so's they in fact Drain...
Also, pull the end of the Big hose off the circulating water pump, it hides another Qt. or 2...
And,...
If ya got power steering, the cooler is in the 1" water line between the transom, 'n T-stat housing...
It'll need drainin' too...

 

[MarineMariner]

Re: Winterize Cooling System after each use in Upper Michigan...

Ayuh,... 'n use a screw or nail to prod the crud outa the drains, so's they in fact Drain...
Also, pull the end of the Big hose off the circulating water pump, it hides another Qt. or 2...
And,...
If ya got power steering, the cooler is in the 1" water line between the transom, 'n T-stat housing...
It'll need drainin' too...

Thanks! I only got a little outa the cooler. That right? Thanks!!