Yea/Nea on this Winterization Method

[kmac]

Oh wise forum tell me what you think?

First I live in South Georgia where we rarely see temps below 20 degrees for more than 8 or 9 hours at a time. I own a 2003 22V with a Mercruiser 350 (190 hours) in great running and physical condition and this is my first winter with the Tige.

I have used this method in the past with a Mercruiser and outdrive boats with no issues at all. Here we go, buy RV/Marine anti-freeze and a bilge pump. Attached an eight foot section of water hose to the bilge pump, poured the anti-freeze in a five gallon bucket, and submerged the pump in the bucket of anti-freeze. After connecting the hose to the engine cooling system, start the bilge pump via a deep-cycle battery and fire up the engine. Run the engine until the pink colored anti-freeze is flowing out the exhaust, shut her down and call it a day.

[OldeBoy]

might work for your locale. probably not adequate for real cold weather.

[whitlock87]

what about the gas, do you ise STAB?
i do it the same way but i run the engine for 30 min first with STAB in the gas tank, then i do what you said

[chpthril]

As far as protecting the drive-train from freezing, given your location, I would just pull the plugs and a hose of two and drain the water. Once you get the hang of it, it's actually quicker then doing the marine/RV antifreeze routine. This also make it easy to hit the water on a warm day, then drain again if you feel that winter may nor quite be over.

We rode year round, and it only took 10 minutes to drain the water right there on the ramp.

As a side note, protecting the block is only part of the end-of-season maintenance, so dont overlook the fuel system, engine oil and other fluids, etc.

[bushwacker]

I agree with chpthril, pull the plugs, its easy, and you dont have to worry about the dog drinking antifreeze

[lancehon]

dont forget about any shower or heater lines as well. an air compressor comes in handy for those.

[kmac]

Thanks for the input! I did take care of the fuel, oil and I don't have a heater or shower to worry with. I guess once you get the routine down pulling the plugs and a hose or two is quicker. I will give it a try.

[whitlock87]

I like to use the antifreeze, as it has rust inhibitors and also lubricates any rubber gaskets.
I have two 5 gallon buckets, and with my FAE it is very easy to reuse the antifreeze over and over again.
One is used to catch it when it comes out the fae downpipe.

[ajholt7]

I like to use the antifreeze, as it has rust inhibitors and also lubricates any rubber gaskets.
I have two 5 gallon buckets, and with my FAE it is very easy to reuse the antifreeze over and over again.
One is used to catch it when it comes out the fae downpipe.

Never thought of that. Just one more reason i need a FAE.

[goose69]

I have an easier way. Connect a 6 foot hose to fake lake and other end connect a funnel. Pour RV antifreeze mix in funnel. Start and when you see pink coming out exhaust your good. No reconnecting ready for water next time.

[mainiak1]

I hope if people decide to winterize this way "I don't" from what I understand. Is to either pull the thermostat first or warm up the engine then switch to antifreeze.
I have a friend that shut his engine down when he saw pink antifreeze out the exhaust. The problem is the raw water in the block stayed there and cost him an engine block. We live in Maine.

[dozzerdude]

my boat likes my heated garage.stab and a trickle charger.