winterizing question

lmholmes11

Seaman
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
58
Hello, I have a 2000 Rinker 233 and am winterizing it for the first time. Has the Bravo 3 out drive (OL413134) and a mercruiser 350 mag MPI. (0L092310). I would like to have someone confirm the number of blue water drain plugs that's on the motor for me. My next step is to remove thermostat and blow air through the motor then fill with antifreeze. Now will the antifreeze stay in the motor or will it run out? ( with drain plugs replaced obviously). Also my manual mentions draining some gas out of the filter and replacing with 2 stroke oil. Is it really necessary to fog the engine? Thanks guys.
 

Georgesalmon

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Apr 14, 2012
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1,793
Re: winterizing question

if you can get all the water out why do you need any antifreeze? as a very well loved person always said on here "Air don't freeze" Fogging kinda depends on how long its gonna sit, for just 4 or 5ish months I never have but for over a year I would.
 

lmholmes11

Seaman
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May 11, 2009
Messages
58
Re: winterizing question

My reasoning for putting in antifreeze is to just make sure all the water is out of everything. Cheap reassurance I guess
 

tpenfield

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Jul 18, 2011
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18,298
Re: winterizing question

it might be easier to run the antifreeze in through the outdrive via the 'muffs' and then open up all of the drains. You intake line will be filled with antifreeze in high concentration and the engine block and exhaust manifolds will be empty after the draining. With a bravo drive, the sea water pump is fairly water tight . . . it will tend to drain very slowly, if at all.
 

stonyloam

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Mar 13, 2009
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5,827
Re: winterizing question

The key to using antifreeze to winterize your engine is to drain all of the water before you add the antifreeze. Once the raw water has been drained antifreeze is kinda like chicken soup "couldn't hurt". You should never count on the antifreeze displacing the water in the block, you could easily leave enough water in there to cause damage. Remember your objective is not to add antifreeze, but it is to remove the water, and draining is by far the most effective means of removing the water. Yeah it can be a PITA, but not as big of one as replacing a block. To answer your question, once the water is out, it makes no difference whether the antifreeze stays in the block or not.
 
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lmholmes11

Seaman
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May 11, 2009
Messages
58
Re: winterizing question

Oh yeah the water is all drained already. Does anyone know the number of blue plugs on my motor? I just want to make sure I got em all. The manual doesn't really state how many
 

bspeth

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Aug 30, 2013
Messages
758
Re: winterizing question

Im not sure how your particular engine is set up as far as exaust risers,but my v6 has a block drain on either side,each exaust riser has a drain,as well as each exaust elbow so a total of 6.Also I don't necessarily think they will all be blue,they might be brass plugs that screw in.
 
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Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,404
Re: winterizing question

Generally speaking,2 plugs in the block, 1 plug in each manifold, 1 plug in each riser, Depending on the year, 1 plug in large hose from
circ pump to T housing, 1 plug for P/S cooler, 1 plug for Cool-Fuel box
V-6 has 1 intake manifold plug
 

bspeth

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Aug 30, 2013
Messages
758
Re: winterizing question

Does the 229 v6 have an intake manifold plug doc?
 

bspeth

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 30, 2013
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758
Re: winterizing question

Me neither Howard,just got theboat and my first winter so just trying to be extra thorough. Thanks for the input.
 

lmholmes11

Seaman
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
58
Re: winterizing question

Where are the exhaust bellows? Are they the big hoses/metal tube coming off the exhaust risers? Also where is power steering cooler?
 
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bspeth

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 30, 2013
Messages
758
Re: winterizing question

The ps cooler is inline with the intake hose,follow the hoses from the ps pump and there you are.
 

bspeth

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Aug 30, 2013
Messages
758
Re: winterizing question

Maybe that's too vague. The water intake hose comes through the transom in the middle behind the engine,it is probably a 1-1/4 inch hose. As it runs around to the front of the engine the ps cooler is in line.It looks like a metal tube with two smaller hoses running to the ps pump. I remove both larger hoses and tilt the cooler on its mounting bolt to get the water out. The exaust bellows is the 2-1/2 or 3 inch pleated hose at the bottom when you tilt up your drive. It connects to the transom and to the bellhousing.Check out ollies link,and put in your serials and just scroll through the schematics and you can identify any part on your drive or engine.
 

OllieC

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Messages
535
Re: winterizing question

IIRC - You have the 4 blue plugs for which you are aware. This is a 5.0 (5.7 should be similar), however if you follow the green hose, it connects below the manifolds - pull those, get a small screw driver or nail, and clear for debris.


3 pt drain.jpg
 
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