Winterize Question/Concern?

I have a merc 4.6 alpha 1 on my boat and had some repairs under way that are not getting finished before winter. Right now the entire stern drive is off and belows are removed. My questions are can I still run the engine to do the winterize process with the stern drive off? I thought all I would need to do is connect a longer tube to the water line that goes through the transom and I would be good to go, is that correct, does it have its own suction or is that what the impeller does? Also, should I make sure I really cover and seal the main drive shaft hole that stern drive shaft goes into? Last question, is it recommended to run antifreeze into engine and then drain or should you still drain all the fluids? Last year I kept the antifreeze in, but that was mainly because I couldn't find the drain plugs...any suggestions on were those might be? (engine serial is 4-438810025 0d718769)

Thanks for all the help!

Brian

Re: Winterize Question/Concern?

I saw you did not get a reply so I will do my best. Lots of posts on this so youn may want to search & browse them.

Is your engine a 4.3 or 4.6 litre? what year ?

If its a 4.3 litre then thier are 2 drain plgs in the block just above the oil pan and about 1/2 way back. The exhaust manifolds should have plugs in the rear as well.

Its imperative that ALL these be pulled and drained. These often get clogged with a little rust bebris so its a common practice to push a small screwdriver tip or rod into the passage opening ensure water is draining.

Beyond that adding antifreeze manually can be done through the thermostat port on the intake mafifold and hoses but is not manadatory. That also requires some dissassembly. And again not required if you drain everything.

As far as running with the outdrive it can be done but its imperative you hook up a garden hose to the inlet and ensure its providing some pressure to get the ewwater up to the engine inlet. Your impeller pump that normally pulls the water into the engine is loated in the outdrive so you want to replicate that.

Note adding antifeeze through the muffs has risks as you cant be sure it gets into the engine.

Re: Winterize Question/Concern?

00dutch said:

... Also, should I make sure I really cover and seal the main drive shaft hole that stern drive shaft goes into?
...

Click to expand...

Yes. Here on iboats, or in another boating retailer's catalogue, they have a product that bolts in place. Or you can make yours out of cardboard and tape it on.

Re: Winterize Question/Concern?

Just drain the block as was previously suggested and look for a drain petcock on the exhausts. Antifreeze is not needed if there's no water in the engine. You should cover the hole on the transom, as you don't need any varmints spending the winter in your boat.

You mentioned having the outdrive removed, and we assume you're replacing bellows, etc. I've farmed out such work to professionals, as I've never had any luck getting the bellows to properly seal--even using Mercruiser bellows sealant. Mercury should have put a more pronounced lip on each end for the bellows to clamp onto.