Dodged the Ice Reaper again
 

Yesterday was working on the boat getting ready to put it in. Removed a rag placed in the bilge and found a freeze plug laying in the bilge.

Started to sweat and put my head further down and noticed the block plug on the port side was still in. Also notice a rusty hole where the plug came out, the middle plug was half out, and felt behind the motor mount and found that one still in place.

Picked up a light and looked over the side of the block closely, and did not see any cracks. Cleaned the hole up with sand paper, used some high tac sealant and re-installed plugs.

Fired it up, no leaks and no extra oil. Dunked it in the water and brought it around into its slip. Still no leaks and no extra oil. Man did I get lucky AGAIN

This happened about 15 years ago with my Rinker. That time it was the starboard side. Said then as this time. I will not do this again, but it happened again.

Remember looking at all the plugs and thinking there should be one more, but had someone talking to me so I got side tracked. Hope I remember this time better.

Don't think SBC would be able to take the same freeze issue, but don't want to test the theory

Yep, twice

Antifreeze works well....

Only IF (the big if) all the water is taken out first. Also air does not freeze, so once all the water is gone, nothing will freeze

We pull the plugs and either blow in them with a blow nozzle , or shove a large wire or screw driver in them to remove the sediment and corrosion that settles to the bottom of the block. DONT EVER think that its dry because you pulled the plug an Nothing came out!!! Pour the block full of Antifreeze. I'm in central NC and it still
breaks the hell out of blocks here.

Agree with sticking a wire or something up inside when plug is pulled, but don't ever plan to using antifreeze. It doesn't hurt, but is a waste of money, time and the environment if reg anti is used. As always, is your boat and you are responsible when spring comes around again

True, it is definitely to each their own but the cost of a gallon of antifreeze is less than the cost of the beer to pull the engine out - amusing you would do it yourself to keep cost down. Then you have to find/buy a replacement long block/engines and/or manifolds and hope it's quality.

3rd freeze up is obviously coming to your area. If you are worried about the environment, next freeze up is hopefully next fall for you to come across non-tox in your travels - JMHO