Winterizing question

[scott8058]

Im getting ready to winterize my boat the 1st time and just wondering if these are the plugs in my block that i need to drain. Its a 5.7l chevy block that was converted to boat, i have one of these on each side at the bottom of the block right above the oil pan. Thanks in advance

 

[rbh]

Re: Winterizing question

Yup, thats a block drain, one on each side.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Winterizing question

those are the nicest drains that I have seen. Drain block, manifolds, and anything else that you can.

 

[scott8058]

Re: Winterizing question

Ok one more question does the wing nut looking thing unscrew or the nut closer to the block?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Winterizing question

Why else would there be a wing nut thingy . . . give it a try.

 

[scott8058]

Re: Winterizing question

Ok tks those drains are nice and easy!

 

[moosehead]

Re: Winterizing question

While those wingnut type petcocks are conveniently opened by hand, note they typically reduce the size of the drain plug opening and are therefore prone to clogging with debris/rust flakes. Some prefer to use a regular size drain plug that requires a socket wrench for that reason.

In either case, suggest making the effort to push a thin piece of metal up into the drain opening to clear any blockage and ensure all water drains out.

 

[rbh]

Re: Winterizing question

The wing not end should be turned clockwise to open it, I think?

and as was said use a piece of wire to open it up occasionally as the rust and dirt will block it while draining.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Winterizing question

Those radiator type petcock valves open counter clock wise. They work well but the ears bend after while and start to leak that is why the design has changed. I would replace with a standard brass or nylon plug.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Winterizing question

Think of it this way. If you were leaning over the hood of lets say a 1967 Pontiac GTO, and wanted to drain the radiator, you would turn the nut or brass ears to your right or the drivers side of the vehicle.

 

[scott8058]

Re: Winterizing question

Actually when i did it i turned left to open and right to close just like you normally would and i did stick a piece of wire up there to make sure it was clear. Someone else above said to drain manifolds too, are there any other plugs somewhere on it or do you have to take off hoses?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Winterizing question

Sometimes you will find drains on the oil coolers and other places. Otherwise, you will just have to take off some hoses. Take a look around at your engine and the associated plumbing and see what you have to work with, etc.

 

[partskenn]

Re: Winterizing question

I had a similar engine in my last boat. I would pull both block drains, both manifold drains, (including running a piece of coat hanger through them to clear them out), A large hose on each side of the block, and the power steering cooler. I would also pull the thermostat and pour in 2 gallons of 100 degree marine antifreeze for cheap insurance. The first time you do it, pull every hose you can find at the lowest point of a run. If you don't get anything out of that hose, than next year you know that you don't have to pull that one again.

 

[moosehead]

Re: Winterizing question

On most 5.7L VP's, there is a drain plug on the aft of each exhaust manifold, both need to be removed to drain them. I also disconnect both hoses to the water pump and point them down to drain water from lower portions, same for water hoses to the thermostat though those typically are dry. Turn the engine over a couple of times without starting to clear any remainder water.

If the above and the block are drained properly, antifreeze is just for further piece of mind though many successfully go without this final bit of insurance.

Strongly suggest you get an owners manual, and perhaps a shop manual.

 

[Mohawkmtrs]

Re: Winterizing question

The exhaust manifold drain is black wing nut next to the manifold hose clamp in the picture.

There's another one on the port side manifold as well.

 

[scott8058]

Re: Winterizing question

I will have to look for that tomorrow when i change the oil, i can't quite see it in the picture, tks for the heads up!

 

[scott8058]

Re: Winterizing question

Ok as for the owners manual the guy i bought the boat from built the engine from a chevy 350 block, so is that gonna be the same motor as a merc cruiser 5.7l manual?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Winterizing question

Ok as for the owners manual the guy i bought the boat from built the engine from a chevy 350 block, so is that gonna be the same motor as a merc cruiser 5.7l manual?

Yes, the I/O companies (Merc & VP ) get their engines from GM. So, the mercruiser manual should be OK. You may have a few squirrelly items that were unique to the automotive block.

At the engine block level the differences between auto & marine would be: Cam shaft (less valve overlap), Head Gasket (Stainless), Core Plugs (Brass). So, hopefully, the PO did those things to the 350 chevy block.

As long as the electrical, ignition and fuel systems are marine (i.e. mercruiser), you should be OK. Replace if not. (very dangerous)

 

[scott8058]

Re: Winterizing question

Ok cool i will have to order one, and yes i believe they did do a very good job with the engine we ran it probably 30+ times this season with no problems and she runs a strong 50+ mph. I drained the block and manifolds, changed gear and motor oil, took off every hose i could and gonna pull the battery and stabil the gas....anything else without going overboard?

 

[scott8058]

Re: Winterizing question

just to clarify drained hoses and put back on!