Drain Blocks
 

I want to drain my blocks before I winterize. I was told by an old timer not to even try to loosen the petcocks because this is an older 1988 454 and the petcocks haven't been open in a long time. In fact they might be fused and it could be more trouble than its worth.
I wanted to know if there was any other way to drain the block? Maybe like sucking it out of one of the hoses like when I change the oil? Has anybody ever done this or know a better way? Thanks

Re: Drain Blocks
 

I've never heard of that one!

The block drain plugs are brass and come out pretty easily. You will probably need to take a pick or something and stick in and loosen up the sediment on the block so it will fully drain.

I highly recommend draining the block and manifolds before running the antifreeze through. We saw numerous crack blocks last spring from not winterizing correctly.

Re: Drain Blocks
 

yep, definitely drain the blocks. like Kurt said you will most likely need to poke something in the hole to loosen up sediment, i have to every year. also it is important to not just drain the blocks but refill with the proper anti-freeze. draining will keep them from cracking but you need the rust inhibitors in the anti-freeze to prevent corrosion.

Re: Drain Blocks
 

Where are the drain plugs on the manafolds? Also, do I have to drain both sides of the block or just one?

Re: Drain Blocks
 

Both sides of block, they should come out, ours came right out this winter, havent been out in at least 7 years.

Manifold drains are on bottom toward stern, brass also.

Re: Drain Blocks
 

My '88's opened fine, and they were in salt for a while...

Re: Drain Blocks
 

Just loosen the hosr clamp and pull the water hoses off the manifolds and let it drain.

Yes, you need to drain both sides of the block.

Re: Drain Blocks
 

Does it actually have the petcocks ? or are they the most normally
seen, brass plugs ?

If it does have the petcocks, and they wont open up,
you can still remove the whole petcock assembly from
the block ( just like you would remove the brass plugs)

Is this the first time in 16 years that it had to be winterized ? :rolleyes:

Re: Drain Blocks
 

What size are the drain plugs? Also, do they come off counter clockwise?

Re: Drain Blocks
 

Righty tighty, lefty loosy!!! :p :drink: :drink: