running engine during winter

[randyr]

I have a 04 20i w/350 Merc and during the winter, I keep the boat in a temperature controlled garage. I bought an inboard engine flusher, so I planned on running the engine every month or so during the winter months but I was not sure how long I should run it for. Should I run it at idle speed?give it gas? Also, should I engauge the prop? I also read if you run the prop, you should lubricate it w/ soapy water. Any suggestions appreciated!!

[bfrank]

I would run it at idle speed and watch your temp gauge. I guess if it was me I would run it untill I saw the thermostat open, your temp gauge should climb up to what ever degree thermostat you have and when the thermostat opens the temp on the gauge will drop down.

If your not going to use it why dont you just throw some antifreeze in it. It will save you the time of having to run it and will keep the internal parts lubed and safe from freezing.

To winterize my boat all I do is hook the fake a lake to a bucket of antifreeze and start it up - after it is warm and I know the thermostat is open. Watch for the antifreeze out the exhaust and you know its done!!

[raythompson]

And don't forget to put some fuel preservative in the gas before you start the engine to flush it with anti-freeze. You want the stabilized gas distributed through the system. Also change the oil so you get any moisture that may be in the oil removed from the engine.

[lee]

Just stabilize the fuel, fog the cylinders, change the oil and filter then drain the water of the block, heater and shower and do not worry about it until March.

[bfrank]

Lee,
Wont rust biuld up in the motor if you just drain the water with out putting antifreeze in??

[lee]

Was taught to do it that way in 1998 by Mercruiser so that is how I have done it since then.

[bfrank]

I have been winterizing boats for about 20 years now and was always told to put the antifreeze in to stop interior crosion and obviously to stop water from freezing that was left in the block.

Maybe its just a Wisconsin below zero think!!!!

[bfrank]

sorry I type too fast!!

Maybe its just a Wisconsin below zero thinking!!!

[lee]

That how they trained all the dealers at that time. [COLOR=darkblue]

[hoppas]

From what I could tell from my marine power manual, water/antifreeze comes out the exhaust even with the thermostat closed, so it's critical to make sure the thermostat is open if you don't drain the water out of the block before filling it with antifreeze.

I've heard the same thing about keeping antifreeze in for the winter, but does RV antifreeze have the same corrosion inhibitors as GM Dex Cool? Also, does it really matter if the engine is full of lake water for 9 months straight? Dunno.

[cjromero77]

How much antifreeze is enough? 2,3 gallons? More?

[bfrank]

I go thru 2 gallons.

[cjromero77]

fake a lake not sucking antifreeze

I thought I could use the fake a lake to suck antifreeze into the engine. However, my temp got hot but no suction. I don't think I have any cooling problems, did I approach this wrong?

Also, did I do any damage. My temp started beeping and I shut it off immediately. I assume I'm ok.

My next step is to pour antifreeze directly into the seawater pump hose with a funnel while the engine is running. This of course, assuming the cooling system is functioning properly.

Last, I may as well check. I know there are quite a few things for winterizing, but I live in MD and am told they are not all necessary as long as I do some in the spring (i.e. change oil)

Basically, I was going to do fuel additive and run the engine until antifreeze was spit out the back. I was told that once I did that, I was done. Of course, spray that fog stuff into the carb as well.

If I can't get the boat running, will a light suffice (150 watt) when it gets cold? That's what I'm using now and it seems real warm in the compartment.

Sorry bout the long e-mail, but I just got finished accomplishing nothing and am a little worried.

Thanks,
Chris

[bfrank]

Did you have the hose hooked up with water first???

[lee]

Re: fake a lake not sucking antifreeze

Originally posted by cjromero77
I thought I could use the fake a lake to suck antifreeze into the engine. However, my temp got hot but no suction. I don't think I have any cooling problems, did I approach this wrong?

Also, did I do any damage. My temp started beeping and I shut it off immediately. I assume I'm ok.

Thanks,
Chris

Could have burnt the impeller up.