First self-serve winterization

[Rich_V174SS]

Oh I think got ya now. So you recycle the antifreeze, it doesn't just spill out of the exhaust onto the ground? I suppose if you're doing an assembly line of winterizing and you've got the method down that's ok. I've just seen several people use only the 5 gallon jug and find in the spring they've got a cracked engine or no water pump.

[CVX Fever]

Nothing wrong with adding antifreeze after draining and I used to do it but have since stopped. Here's my reasoning quoting Weird Walt, a marine mechanic in Colorado:

The reason proponents of antifreeze give for using it is to prevent corrosion. My rebuttal is the engine will wear out long before anything ever rusts through. Its your money, your engine, your boat, do what you feel most comfortable with.

Here's the link for the thread:

http://boards.trailerboats.com/cgi-bin/trailerboats/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=004128;p=1#000014

For my own boats I'll continue to skip the antifreeze step and that's what I have and will continue to recommend to others. This topic is in the same line of talk as what oil to run, ect., ect. In the end, know & understand your options, then do what you feel most comfortable with.  

[74 Carlson the II]

Like I said before, got early 80's mastercraft at work that needs the engine torn down and flushed out because the owner never used antifreeze and all it does is over heats and I have checked, fixed and replaced everything to do with getting the water to the engine. I started pulling some of it down and nothing but rust scales is being dug out.  If you plan on keeping your boat for a long time I would recommend using -50 marine antifreeze.

[CVX Fever]

But that's anecdotal Steve. You don't know without a doubt that that's the reason for the corrosion. It could be a number of other things. I can say my dad since it was brand new has never done anything with his 80's Glastron other than drain it over the winter, and his engine is fine.

[Jerry]

Like I said before, got early 80's mastercraft at work that needs the engine torn down and flushed out because the owner never used antifreeze and all it does is over heats and I have checked, fixed and replaced everything to do with getting the water to the engine. I started pulling some of it down and nothing but rust scales is being dug out.  If you plan on keeping your boat for a long time I would recommend using -50 marine antifreeze.

That's just ^&(* OUCH! I bit my tong.
There's no anti-rust in RV antifreeze.  Try again Steve.

[74 Carlson the II]

Ok I am wrong, what do I know. I just do this for a living everyday!

[Jerry]

And I do NOTHING for a living so I know nothing?
Just stating the obvious.

[74 Carlson the II]

Jerry I didn't say that you didnt know anything. I have been a marine tech since 1995 and have attended all the school's and not just some vo-tech aftermarket school's. I was trained by the factories, like Mercury, Mariner, Force, Mercruiser, Johnson&evinrude and Yamaha. If no one wants my input and help just say so and I will delete my account. Yes Jerry antifreeze DOES help prevent the inside of the block from rusting, you are right that it doesn't have anti-rust properties cause it doesn't need to be added.

[dorelse]

Ok, Ok...let's just all keep it friendly here.

This is no different than the Amsoil vs. Mercruiser oil, ford vs chevy discussions.

There are a few different methods in practice, choose what feels right for you.


And for the record...all of you provided extremely valuable help with Goldie's resurrection.  So please stick around!

[Jerry]

First, I respect your knowledge and willingness to help. I think I was the first to suggest RV antifreeze in this thread, and I never winterized an inboard. It just sounded like the right thing to do. I would guess less than 10% of inboards have any antifreeze in them when stored, and very few have rust and scale build up, So to say this was caused by not using antifreeze is jumping to conclusions, not supported by fact. My first guess (if I had to take one) is it may have been run in salt water, and not flushed. Just a guess from a guy that was a Journeyman mechanic for 50 years.

[74 Carlson the II]

I respect the years have on me, I will have to ask the customer if it was a salt water boat at one time. Thank you.

[CVX Fever]

Nothing wrong with a little heated debate once in awhile to foster some learning. And on this board everyone does a good job at keeping things civil.

Hopefully at this point we haven't got Josh so confused that he's put the boat up for sale! .......LOL   

[Bayflite73]

Hopefully at this point we haven't got Josh so confused that he's put the boat up for sale! .......LOL   

No danger of that! I thank all of you for every suggestion and look forward to many, many years of fun filled meets and great topic discussion!

[Bayflite73]

There is a 3rd plug too on the elbow of the exhaust manifold too.

Got it!

[Bayflite73]

Oh and I had the same experience Jason. At first I thought, "Oh, that's not much water, only a few drops." Then I remembered what you said about gunk in there. A little fishing around and a gush of water shot out of there!

[catchnedge]

Hey thanks guys for all the winterization tips... it's easy to get lazy with it here in San Antonio as we continue to use our boats well into November, but I think this year they are going to get the full treatment, including RV antifreeze.