Winterizing Question...?

[CpaBert]

Hey guys, I'm winterizing my 4.3L mercruiser, and I pulled 5 different plugs.

2 Brass In the Side of the Block

2 Blue on the manifolds

1 Brass plug off the near the top left hand side of the motor, I think its the intake.

I'm just making sure that I have all the plugs pulled, I looked really really HARD to find more, but I'm pretty positive thats it. Does this sound like the right amount of plugs?

Also I am just wondering, now that I pulled the plugs and the water is all drained which one of these hoses do I poor antifreeze into. I plan on draining the antifreeze in the summer into a bucket, BEFORE going on to the lake. Dont worry guys, I'm not someone who doesnt care about our environment.

Just need to know which hose to poor it into, I numbered them on the image. Hopefully you can tell by the picture which is which...Please let me know thanks!

 

[myoldboat2]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

I'm sure you'll be hearing from the experts, but I'll share what they've taught me. After draining it, you either leave it empty or put in nontoxic antifreeze (marine a/f, RV a/f, or food grade a/f, I believe they are all propylene glycol based). When you drain you cannot get all the a/f out, so if you use toxic a/f it'll be dumping on the ground if you use earmuffs in the spring or into the lake if you go that route. It's a bad idea.

 

[CpaBert]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

Actually the stuff I bought is supposed to be 100% non-toxic. I bought it at a marine place for 17$ for a gallon. I just figured I would get rid of it in a bucket than in a lake ne ways.

 

[CpaBert]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

Sorry to bump, but I gotta get this figured out, so I can take the boat to storage...THANKS GUYS!

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

Assuming yours is a raw water system. On my 4.3 the manual suggests removing thermostat housing and filling block . I don't think pouring in the hoses will fill block. OBTW, yours may be different from mine but I had 6 plugs,
2 block 2 manifolds 1 fuel cooler 1 bottom of elbow that runs from t'stat housing to recirculating pump.
I suggest you check the manual for your engine to be sure.
Good luck

 

[scipper77]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

Don't forget the power steering cooler if equipped. I've never done mine before this year and it turns out that flushing with antifreeze probably saved me but you should be aware that if it's full of water and freezes it could burst.

 

[asdasc]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

Actually, I can verify that it WILL burst if you don't get the water out of the power steering cooler. I have done it twice...

What can I say, I am a slow learner. I tend to forget it about every 9 years and have to repair it. You can bet I will remember it again this year.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

Ayuh,... Take the Other end of #1 hose Off the waterpump....
Remove hose #2,+ pour about a Qt. of that antifreeze down hose #2....
That'll save having to disconnect the P/S Cooler to Drain it....

In the Spring,... Tighten the plugs you pulled, reconnect the bottom of the Big hose, #1...
Then you can slap on the Muffs,+ Blast that Qt. of antifreeze in your driveway ....

 

[asdasc]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

Pour antifreeze down #2? I think #6 (just above/behind #1 in the picture)goes to my power steering pump cooler, right?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

Ayuh,...#6 should go to the portside Manifold....
#2 is the In-coming from the drive line with the P/S cooler in it....

 

[sbillington]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

I find the easiest way to fill the system is to run engine till it gets to operating temerature (thermostat open) with hose connected to muff feeding water to lower unit. Shut down motor and change garden hose to a gravity feed container for cooling flush (avail at West Marine # 520411 for about $35.00) Fill with -60 or -100 antifreeze and have enough avail for your capacity motor. Start the motor and run until the antifreeze comes out the exhaust discharge steady. When it is running through the motor, fogg the motor till it dies. The has wintereized your cooling system and fogged your cylinders.

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

I find the easiest way to fill the system is to run engine till it gets to operating temerature (thermostat open) with hose connected to muff feeding water to lower unit. Shut down motor and change garden hose to a gravity feed container for cooling flush (avail at West Marine # 520411 for about $35.00) Fill with -60 or -100 antifreeze and have enough avail for your capacity motor. Start the motor and run until the antifreeze comes out the exhaust discharge steady. When it is running through the motor, fogg the motor till it dies. The has wintereized your cooling system and fogged your cylinders.

Ahhhhh yes, then in the spring there will be a dozen or so posting about water in the oil because of a cracked block after winterizing like that. Happens every year.
Look at item #7 here. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288430

 

[myoldboat2]

Re: Winterizing Question...?

You've sold me, Don. I have an antifreeze winterizing jug and hose kit that's for sale cheap! After my other winterizing tasks, I'm going to fog it and then open and wire out the drains, plus pull the big hose where it connects to the engine water pump. So much easier than winterizing with antifreeze, and I'll sleep better, too. Thanks.