Rookie winterizing question

[GQ]

First time doing this myself and thought I better confirm to make sure I do it correctly.........

Hook the water hose up to the engine flush line and warm up the engine to allow the thermostat to open. Stop engine, remove water hose, then place the flush line in the bucket of antifreeze (5-6 gallons). When I restart the engine the antifreeze will be siphoned into the engine. Am I correct that the antifreeze will siphon from the bucket? I know I'm leaving out other steps but need to make sure I didn't need to do the antifreeze another way.

Thanks for the help!

[jpclear]

OOH, I don't think you want to do it quite that way. There is some very good advice here on the proper procedures. Do a search and pay attention. --- Jer

[GOODT]

A) what kind of boat, motors, drives
B) you should drain the motors before pumping anti freeze
C) if you dont know what you are doing pay someone to do it (its a small price compared to buying a motor)!!!!!!

[waybomb]

A) what kind of boat, motors, drives
B) you should drain the motors before pumping anti freeze
C) if you dont know what you are doing pay someone to do it (its a small price compared to buying a motor)!!!!!!

What he said!!!!

Maybe the first time around, hang around the marina and watch how they do your engines, write it all down, and do them next year. But you are asking for trouble if you attempt this with your limited knowledge. Engine blocks are a lot more expensive than a winterizing bill. I don'y know what they get these days, but it should not cost you more than a hundred bucks or so for both, if all you are doing is antifreeze and fog.

[GQ]

Freshwater boat with a big block and bravo one drive. I've done normal boat maintenance and have a lot of years working on cars and motorcycles. I have paid for winterizing in the past and want to do it myself this year. I have read related postings and just need to confirm the best method of putting antifreeze into the engine. Several different methods have been recommended in other threads.

[Hydrocruiser]

No matter how well the antifreeze flows using this method... even by using hydrostatic pressure form a tank sitting on the platform... it never seems to flow well enough to prevent the engines from getting hot.

My biggest fear is what if a thermostat sticks and the antifreeze does not go around the entire circuit>?

Drain first...pull the stats...then the antifreeze...it's the safest way..

[Love Machine]

Remove the t-stat before blowing that pink stuff through. Just remember to put it back in when done.

Sydwayz has a good thread on bypassing the outdrive pickup line and pressurizing the antifreeze tank.

There's also a great winterizing checklist in the tech section. Do a search.

[Kidnova]

I remove the thermostat, then in with the anti freeze.

Like others have said....I'd have a pro do it and hang around and watch and learn. Then maybe try it next season on your own.

[speedreeder]

I've done about 40 boats in the past few weeks, Have been doing for quite a few years now. The warm up first so the t-stat will open is a good idea, But it doesn't work!!! Unless your anti freeze you are putting in is already 140+ degrees.? They will close instantly when the cold anti-freeze hits them. First of all you need a good 110 volt pump(impeller style) To pump anti-freeze. Next, Drain exhaust, Drain block(1 on each side at bottom of block, Now put exhaust back in, put 1 gallon anti-freeze in bucket,With block plugs out, run motor and run pump.Let all drain out. Then put all plugs back in, put 4-5 gallons straight RV anti-freeze in bucket, Run all throught motor while fogging and your done. You really need two people at least. GOOD LUCK, ROB

[onesickpantera]

I've done about 40 boats in the past few weeks, Have been doing for quite a few years now. The warm up first so the t-stat will open is a good idea, But it doesn't work!!! Unless your anti freeze you are putting in is already 140+ degrees.? They will close instantly when the cold anti-freeze hits them. First of all you need a good 110 volt pump(impeller style) To pump anti-freeze. Next, Drain exhaust, Drain block(1 on each side at bottom of block, Now put exhaust back in, put 1 gallon anti-freeze in bucket,With block plugs out, run motor and run pump.Let all drain out. Then put all plugs back in, put 4-5 gallons straight RV anti-freeze in bucket, Run all throught motor while fogging and your done. You really need two people at least. GOOD LUCK, ROB

Then, why does the thermostat stay open when running on the hose? The water out of my hose is WAY cooler than the room temperature anti-freeze.