Winterize Engine That Won't Start

[Theom]

I'm working on a 7.4 mercruiser rebuild that hasn't started up yet. I've put the ear muffs on the outdrive to push water into it while turning it over. I think that means water has made it to the water pump and oil cooler and also the outdrive water passages. Since it hasn't run or had the thermostat open I think that means no water would be in the block.

It's supposed to freeze here for the next week and even though I'm still working on it, I want to make sure nothing gets damaged during the freeze. Would unhooking the oil cooler hose so it has no water in it and turning the engine over a few times to clear the water pump of water be enough to prevent damage?

 

[alldodge]

Since it hasn't run or had the thermostat open I think that means no water would be in the block.

No, no, no, no it does not mean that.
Water fills the block weather the thermostat opens or not

Pull block plugs (one each side), exhaust (each side), oil cooler and then your good

 

[Scott Danforth]

Drain the block, exhaust, hoses, etc

 

[Theom]

Should my drain plugs be plugged? I have these metal fittings in the plugs and they don't seal/plug.

The last bad photo is an inspection scope looking up in the exhaust manifold hole that the picture plug in my hand came out of.

 

[Theom]

Oh Nevermind, I understand They do seal when the outer fittings is fully seated in the block side fitting. No water came out when any plugs were removed.

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Oh Nevermind, I understand They do seal when the outer fittings is fully seated in the block side fitting. No water came out when any plugs were removed.

"No water came out when any plugs were removed"......... Sounds like the drain hole is plugged with rust / sediment from the inside. Probe the hole with a screwdriver or wire rod to break it free. If there is still nothing, I would be checking to see why the block has no coolant in it.

 

[crazy charlie]

Open or remove every drain point and poke and probe with wire hanger with a right angle bend to the tip in case of a likely clog to the drain port.I would pull all hoses and introduce Af into each one .Better safe than sorry and if you dont get this right you will be VERY sorry.Charlie