Winterization in Texas

[Cuddy]

I still have dreams of sneaking a couple late season fishing trips in before I winterize the I/O. It's supposed to get down to 30-35 here tonight though. Do I need to pull the plug and drain the engine or does it need to be colder for a longer period of time to cause problems?

 

[Walter]

Re: Winterization in Texas

Well, as you know....water freezes at 32 degrees F. I won't speculate what could happen to your block, manifolds etc... should the air temp. reach 30 for a few hours, but please realize you are at risk of damaging something. If you can park your boat in a heated garage I'd think you'd be ok, but like I said.... Anytime you leave water in your engine when outside temps are expected to drop below freezing...you're putting your investment at risk. The safest way is to drain all the water out of the components as outlined in your service manual's winterization instructions. That sure beats the alternative of repair/replacement costs if freeze damage did occur.<br /><br />Good fishing...<br /><br />Walt