Need Help Winterizing Mercruiser 175

Hi all,

I own a 1988 Four Winns Sundowner with a Mercuiser 175 I/O engine. While trying to winterize it this weekend with my friend who is an experienced boater, we put the muffs on and ran 6 gallons of Antifreeze thru it and still it did not drain pink. He did his Sea Ray with two gallons and went well. Any suggestions on what I am doing wrong, and how to go about doing it properly? The boat runs great and I'd love to keep it that way. I saw the sticky about winterizing, but am unclear as to where the drain holes I should be looking for. Does anyone have a pic of what I need to be looking for? Also, if I pour antifreeze into the hoses, do I need to crank the engine once its in to make sure it circulates a bit?

I appreciate any insight. Thanks!

Angel

Re: Need Help Winterizing Mercruiser 175

Angel, That motor is a V6, correct? A V6 will have 2 drain plugs on the block, just up from the oil pan, one on each side. They will likely be brass. Remove them and poke a nail into the hole to get the rust clog out.

The manifolds will have one plug on each mainfold. They will be on the back underside of the manifold. Remove the plugs and poke it with a nail.

Now take all six hoses off the thermostat cover. Dump some AF down each hose until you see it emerge from the outdrive, manifolds or block. When a drain hole shows pink, insert the plug. When all plugs are in, fill the block and manifolds with AF.

You already flushed the engine with fresh water, changed the oil, stabilized the fuel and fogged the motor, right? Pull the outdrive and grease the gimbal bearing and the u-joints.

Re: Need Help Winterizing Mercruiser 175

Yes, its a V6. Did all the other stuff, just haven't pulled the outdrive. I think that may be above my head. Maybe I should call a professional for that. Thanks for your help!

Re: Need Help Winterizing Mercruiser 175

Amdios1969 said:

I think that may be above my head. Maybe I should call a professional for that.

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If you have any doubts at all, then a professional is the best choice. It could save you a couple thousand dollars in the spring.