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-   -   winterizing (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/286334-winterizing.html)

HEDGEHOGER 10-12-2012 10:14 PM

winterizing
 
Hey guys I was wonder if any body has any way to winterize a block with out starting it as I'm just starting to fix the port starter

RT930turbo 10-12-2012 10:23 PM

I assume regular merc big blocks? Just pull all the hoses, drain the block, exhaust, and any coolers, then refill from the thermostat housing. Piece of cake! ....except getting to some of the clamps and drains.

dereknkathy 10-13-2012 06:25 AM

The block sometimes won't drain cuz hole has stuff plugging it. Take a poker of some sort and clear block drain holes out. One guy mentioned a shop vac on the hoses. Would also make sure any coolers are emptied.

353Formula 10-13-2012 08:56 AM

Coat hanger works well in block drains I have used a sump pump to push antifreeze also that's how I do a/c units

HEDGEHOGER 10-14-2012 01:07 PM

went to winterize the boat this morning and couldnt find the holes in the bottom of the block so i just drained the hoses and refilled the block with antifreeze through the hoses now im just hopeing the blocks full guess we'll find out in the spring:evilb:

JETTDOGG 10-14-2012 01:30 PM

I took a 5 gal screwed a outdoor hose into the bottom- side attatched a legnth of garden hose to the spicket and my water ears on the drive.
Put a few gallons of anti-freeze in the bucket and set it higher than the drive.
Start engine open spicket and fast idle until i see only anti freeze coming out the exhaust.
Leaves pure a/f in engine.
Best part is no screwin w/hose clamps, etc. And you can use it year after year

FIXX 10-14-2012 02:15 PM

Fixx
 

Originally Posted by HEDGEHOGER (Post 3795618)
went to winterize the boat this morning and couldnt find the holes in the bottom of the block so i just drained the hoses and refilled the block with antifreeze through the hoses now im just hopeing the blocks full guess we'll find out in the spring:evilb:

That is not the way to winterize them..you have to pull the plugs on the side of the block or they will freeze and crack the blocks..they are center of the block a little above where the oil pan bolts to the block..

RT930turbo 10-14-2012 02:55 PM


Originally Posted by mrfixxall (Post 3795644)
That is not the way to winterize them..you have to pull the plugs on the side of the block or they will freeze and crack the blocks..they are center of the block a little above where the oil pan bolts to the block..

+1 you WILL have cracked blocks come spring. You need to find the drains and drain them, or use the bucket method mentioned above.

looseconnection 10-14-2012 03:24 PM


Originally Posted by JETTDOGG (Post 3795624)
I took a 5 gal screwed a outdoor hose into the bottom- side attatched a legnth of garden hose to the spicket and my water ears on the drive.
Put a few gallons of anti-freeze in the bucket and set it higher than the drive.
Start engine open spicket and fast idle until i see only anti freeze coming out the exhaust.
Leaves pure a/f in engine.
Best part is no screwin w/hose clamps, etc. And you can use it year after year

Do you warm up first to get stats open? Ihave always ran motors up to temp first to ensure all cooling passages are full of a/f.

Griff 10-14-2012 03:27 PM


Originally Posted by HEDGEHOGER (Post 3795618)
went to winterize the boat this morning and couldnt find the holes in the bottom of the block so i just drained the hoses and refilled the block with antifreeze through the hoses now im just hopeing the blocks full guess we'll find out in the spring:evilb:

That is not the way to do it. You need to drain the blocks. If you can't even find the block drains, you should be having a professional winterize it. You're risking 20k worth of engines to save $200.


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