Winterization-add flushing attachment to Perko strainer?
 

I have the Perko 0493 series of raw water strainer and was thinking if it had a garden hose flushing attachment I could simply hook it up to a jug of antifreeze and run the engine to circulate the antifreeze.

Does anyone know if someone makes a flushing attachment for this strainer?

Perko says they do not but I'm pretty sure I've seen them on other boats.

Aftermarket?

Replace the 90 elbow at the top with a tee. Plumb in a ball valve on a close nipple, then screw a NPT to garden hose adapter into the other end of the ball valve.

Make sure your boat has ball valves at the water pickups or it'll spill out of the transom. Your boat can also sink if left unattended. Plus, you can clean the strainers if they plug- at least without getting a bath and taking on major amounts of water.

Most ones I've seen are simply a threaded tee fitting on the intake side with a ball valve and the required fitting to make the hose connection. To do this though, you would also need to have a shut-off valve on the intake water supply as well. Also, you'll want your "jug" to hold 5 gal of antifreeze as that is approximately what it takes to fill a big block.

Here's what I use.
http://www.boatersworld.com/product/178050035.htm

Great advice. Thank you.

Guys -

Dont forget, the best way is to run the engines so the stats open, then drain the blocks. Then add your antifreeze. Otherwise you are diluting the antifreeze with the water in the engine and actually raising your freeze point and burst point.

Also the safest bet is the -100. Spend the few extra $$ and save yourself and yuor engine!!

I found a perko strainer for my AC unit that has the ball valve as part of the top cap......I just wanted the top but couldn't find where to buy it seperately.....haven't done anything with it yet.

Travis, does that just connect directly to the valve? I may have to pick one of those up for next yr, wont have it by this wknd.

Yes, Perko does make strainers with the valve incorporated into the top. Mike does not have the valve and Perko says you can't interchange the tops.

winterization
 

question,if i drain the block first,then use a •Antifreeze Jug with earmuffs ,will i burn the Impeller up while waiting for the antifreeze to circulate thru the engine ?

you'll be fine. The AF will be in the seawater pump within seconds.