Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

[jcac27]

Hi,<br />I'm at the point of my life where I simply cannot afford to winterize my 3.0L mercruiser w/ alpha one od.<br /><br />I am looking for explicit instructions on how to do it myself. I am relatively handy, but know almost nothing about engines. I plan on getting a tune in the spring, but want to do the minimum now just to get it throught the winter. Is there anywhere on the internet with detailed step-by-step instructions? Can anyone help?!?!?!?

 

[Durangomania]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

Hi, if you have the owners manual it explains step by step how to winterize. I have an OMC V8 and it takes me about 30 minutes to do the whole procedure. I have to pull 6 plugs that are very easy to find, disconnect 2 hoses, drain the block, manifolds and hoses. Then I remove 3 screws from the out dirve, turn over the engine, put the plugs back in. DONE. I have been doing this for 8 years with no problems. Beats having a dealer do it for $200. If you really want to be safe, after you've followed the procedure to drain everything, then hook up a set of ear muffs to the outdrive, connect a short hose with a funnel on one end, start the engine and pour in RV anti freeze until it's coming out the exhaust.<br />Winterizing is SIMPLE ! Ray

 

[BMDODGE]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

here's a link - if your not sure there's alot of info on this page - bruce web page

 

[andrewgroup]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

I've been following this board for about 4 months and if you use the search function and search for winterize, you will find about 50 posts on the subject all within the last 60 days.<br /><br />Hope you find someones opinion that suits your fancy because you'll find several methods.<br /><br />one method is always the heated garage.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

Here is a good place to start:<br /><br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/winterizing.htm

 

[Bigbobcat]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

A lot of work to winterize the engine from the link that Ralph 123 provided, that's a difficult start

Is there any easier way to winterize the engine ?

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

Hi,<br />I'm at the point of my life where I simply cannot afford to winterize my 3.0L mercruiser w/ alpha one od.<br /><br />I am looking for explicit instructions on how to do it myself. I am relatively handy, but know almost nothing about engines. I plan on getting a tune in the spring, but want to do the minimum now just to get it throught the winter. Is there anywhere on the internet with detailed step-by-step instructions? Can anyone help?!?!?!?

Read the sticky at the top of this page & avoid using funnels or muffs to add af. Following those instructions can cost you an engine block. There are also numerous posts here on the proper way to do it.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

I'm at the point of my life where I simply cannot afford to winterize my 3.0L mercruiser w/ alpha one od.

your not alone man. the economy is hurting many folks. me included. it's starting to take the fun out of boating when ya can't aford it......... step by step instructions can be found in the mercrusier service manual... if ya don't have one. go over here and find yours.... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=251571 confirm proper sm by serial number off yer engine... #6 or #14 will cover your alpha1 drive. depends on what year as to which drive sm ya need.... confirm that sm by serial number too. mercruiser uses the serial number to id it's product, so most important to confirm proper sm by this number....

the sticky at the top is good too.

if ya don't understand something. ask question on this board. many folks willing to help out.....

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

The way i do it is.

On the port side under the manifold is a plug unscrew it, and let it drain, with a piece of wire poke around in the hole, in case there is rust and make sure it its clear to drain.

Farther down on the block and a bit farther back, is another plug do it again drain the block.

Leave the plugs out!

You should drain the engine oil and install a new oil filter, and refill with the proper engine oil called for your motor.

You didn't give the year of the motor, i use sae 30 weight straight. Shell is good in wal-mart. And oil filter also ph 30 or ph 5.

While your in wal-mart get marine gear oil. And a pump for the lower unit.
And anti-freeze one gallon.

Put the drive all the way down and leave it there for the winter.

Take the hoses off the t-stat and pour anti-freeze down all the hoses.And reinstall the hoses.

Drain your out drive and refill with the gear oil.

This is the lowest cost, least winterizing so everything survives till next summer.

Of course cover the boat. And leave it with the transom plug out and the bow lifted as high as you can.

Every body is hurting money wise. I feel your pain believe me.

If you follow my instructions your baby will come thru the winter ok.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

Is there any easier way to winterize the engine ?

Ayuh,....

Just Drain All the Water out of it,...
And,...
Pray til spring that you got it Right...

 

[ziggy]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

Just Drain All the Water out of it,...

to me, this is the most important part. if you don't drain all the water out of it. all the rest of winterizing will be of no consequence as ya'll have a spent engine (cracked block or manifold,or both) the following year..

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

Ok, I'm going to beat Don to the punch here.

This thread is 5 years old.

He's probably got it figured out.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

I don't get it why can't people start there own thread.

But what would work 5 years ago will work now.

i'm going out right now to drain again the block and manifold, second time this week. Going to be 33 here tonight.

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterizing, how exactly do I do it???

October 23rd, 2003​