Remember, wind chill temp is not a factor. Only ambient air temp, around those engines matter.

exactly the concept! since the late 80's (my first IO), I have winterized by draining. last year, for the first time I cracked an exhaust manifold, pretty much made me throw up when I spotted it. I couldn't break the hose loose the previous fall and intended to return with a hook to pull it but never did, luckily I was able to get it welded. This was the only time I have ever seen any damage. I have never recommended it to anyone due to the fact that no two installations are identical and it takes someone to thoroughly inspect the entire system including all heat exchangers and plumbing to determine how to drain it completely. Mine are mid 80's gen IV 454's, I've been inside these engines and am comfortable as long as I see the water drain from the blocks. Often I have had to use a pick to unclog the drain hole but it will drain quite a bit of water, only then will I be comfortable. The manifolds are iron 496 take offs and are simple to drain by pulling the hose at the bottom(unless your an old guy). Bottom line, any remaining water after draining it this way should be negligible. The heat exchangers and plumbing I have are a breeze to drain as well. I keep the heater in there to cut down on condensation.

bobbo

Nice find, good info!

My motor is closed cooling... I still worry about a manifold cracking right next to an open exhaust valve, dumping pink rv into the cylinder, and bending a rod when I go to start it in the spring. I think the term is "neurosis". I'm going to pull all the spark plugs in the spring. If nothing happens this winter, the coldest winter in 3 decades, I'm STILL going to buy a bilge heater for next winter. Neurosis, kids- it's nothing to play with.

I can't claim it, it was posted in this thread a page or two back.

X2 on the heater. Where can you buy a bilge heater?

I found some on flEaBay and at the West Marine website, $200-$350, basically a computer fan in a box with a heating element and long cord, they are forced air heaters.

Made by Xtreme Heaters and BoatSafe.

Not as cold down here, well until this week! But I have a work light sitting on bench seat (seat is in down position) so it's really on the framing with hatch cracked open. Light is set on timer cycles on and off every few hours. I was too lazy, but they sell a thermostat plug at Home Depot on line that comes on at 35 degrees and off at 45degrees. Will have it for next year though!

Good luck to everyone up north, we rarely see less than 32 degrees for 24 hours.

Ready for winter storm Leon to get the F$&@ out of here!!!

Good news! Drove out to the storage building and it is getting completely incased with snow! drifted up about 7ft around the sides and the roof has a good 3ft on it. What a great insulator. Now when the real cold temps come back (and they will) the building should not get quite as cold! Probably not a good theory but it sure sounds good to me!! We had a heat wave blow though here today got up to 20 degrees, NEVER thought 20 would sound (and feel so good). Feb. looks real bad. Maybe I will start a scrap Iron business this spring...........

Tell me about it, it got up to 25 here and I debated shorts.