Update on winter storage advice?

[Silver/Fish]

I am reading alot of posts lately on cracked manifolds. Water in oil. And leaking blocks etc.<br /><br />I know this maybe a loaded question: But what is the "best" way to make sure that the engine (and maifolds) are well drained for storage next fall? <br /><br />Is the answer as (simple) as running RV anti-freeze through the system AFTER draining All hoses, caps, and plugs?<br /><br />1996 19' Four Winns<br />5.0FL Volvo Penta

 

[wvit100]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

If you drain all the hoses, caps, and plugs then why would you need antifreeze? If the water's out of the engine there is nothing there to freeze.<br /><br />I don't like the idea of people relying on antifreeze. Often they don't warm up the engine enough prior to putting the antifreeze in so the thermostate isn't open.<br /><br />I always just drain the motor. No need for antifreeze.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

Many here drain all there is to drain and leave it dry.Personally,I store with everything full of antifreeze.

 

[llerrad]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

I like to drain block, risers and waterjackets. Remove thermostat housing use long funnel and begin to fill with antifreeze until I see the antifreeze start to pour out of the lower unit. Done this for 30yrs never had an issue, in the north with up to -40 temps.

 

[ron7000]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

just pulling a block drain plug on each side does not guarantee the engine, manifolds, and any other accessories (oil coolers, heat exchangers, raw water pumps) are going to be completely drained. It's a matter of gravity and engine/manifold design, and also knowing what you're doing. So yes, the best way (without dissassembling anything) in terms of practicality and cost can be running a antifreeze mixture strong enough through the engine so that any left over water it comes in contact with will mix and still provide adequate freeze protection. When a strong pink or green colored mixture comes out the exhaust then you can be relatively sure it's taken care of.

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

Originally posted by wvit100:<br /> If you drain all the hoses, caps, and plugs then why would you need antifreeze? If the water's out of the engine there is nothing there to freeze.

This is exactly why I am asking. How can one be sure there is nothing left to freeze? Those other posters are now facing major repair bills. I still like the idea of adding some glyco etc. to the system. Thanks to all for your reply.

 

[tommays]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

Eather way can and has been done WORNG <br /><br /> i have read of plenty of wet stored boats that poped because they did not not get the mix right or drain the block first<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Bondo]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

Ayuh,....... I belive in Dry storage,.....<br /><br />If you have the Mechanical Insight,+ Understand that Water Always Flows Downhill,......<br />It Works Perfectly Every Time.......<br /><br />Air Don't Freeze........<br /><br />I Know of 1 Dry Storage Disaster,.... <br /><br />Wet Storage Failures are Not unheard of,......Quite a few Actually......Both Self-inflected,+ Bought,+ Paid For......<br /><br />The Key to getting Anything in life done is in the Details,............

 

[marinemech1]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

after draining blocks manifolds coolers etc. run a small piece of wire through each hole to be sure its clear<br />if motor has a lot of corrosion i would pour antifreeze into motor

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: Update on winter storage advice?

if i had the freezing problem... id run the antifreeze in her. back home in upper mich. thats what we used to do. id take a bucket just big enough for the lower end to fit in without the prop, i had a electric water pump that i hooked to the muffs, pump a 50 50 glycol mix untill the engine heated up and was running awhile. then in the spring we dumped the antifreeze filled vat off at the auto parts store. or put it in the field cars and tractors