First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

[jpx8080]

Good morning all,

This is my first time winterizing my boat.

It is a 1998 Stingray 190 RS with a Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha One.

1. Changed Engine Oil
2. Changed Gear Oil in Outdrive
3. I ran the motor until it came up to op temp with water. Then I shut down and started boat with RV antifreeze hooked to muffs. Once about a gallon was run through I stalled the motor by spraying fogging oil in the carb.
4. I opened all freshwater cooling hoses and poured in RV antifreeze.
5. Sprayed everything down with anti-corrosion spray.
6. Greased all fittings.
7. Lowered the outdrive to lowest position.
8. Disconnected and Removed Battery.
9. Covered Boat.

I will be putting a few boxes of mothballs inside to hopefully prevent any rodents from nesting.

Does this sound about right to you guys? The temp is dropping to the 20's this week.

Thanks

 

[300sflyer]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

One major mistake... You should drain ALL of the water from the engine, and manifolds BEFORE adding the antifreeze. You need to redo this, or you will have a cracked block come spring time.

 

[ziggy]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

^^
yep, agree with 300sflyer.

ya gotta drain all the water out of the cooling system prior to the introduction of antifreeze.

myself, this year i winterized with air. no anti freeze at all. just drained all the water out of the cooling system and left her sit. to late for me. temps around here have already got into the low 20's overnight. sounds like you have a little time left to work with.

 

[jpx8080]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

Wow,

I'm glad that I asked then. The problem is that I can only find one drain. I see it on the left side of the motor. Should I have more?

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

The 3.0 motor only has one petcock. Right above it, there is a brass plug to drain the manifold.

 

[jpx8080]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

Ok so now can I drain that one until nothing comes out and then fill the manifold with antifreeze?

Just to be sure we are talking about the same one: It is the brass fitting with the blue screw in plug correct?

This is pretty nerve racking! I just want to make sure that next spring I am good to go.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

Yes, you need to drain the manifold.

My 3.0 is older. It simply has a brass plug in the bottom of it. No blue screw. Of course, things change. You can see the plug unless you stand on your head. It is on the bottom of the manifold, nearly directly above the petcock in the side of the block.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

Remove both plugs, [block and manifold] and make sure there is no sand or rust inside preventing them from draining properly, remove the lower hose on the engine water pump, make sure your PS cooler is drained as well, and you are done. I leave the plugs out all winter, then put them back in in the spring.

 

[jpx8080]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

As always, I appreciate it!

I'll get it done this afternoon and maybe I'll take some pics to help out other newbies such as myself.

 

[dellsboater]

Re: First Time Winterizing... How does this sound?

As stsated, make sure no sand or other dirt blocks the drains....use a ridged wire or small screwdriver into the drains after you remove the drains. I forgot this once, paid for it in the spring. I go as far as poke them untill all the water appears to be out, and then poke them some more....