Anti-Freeze in the Bilge...help

T

Tanner03

New Member
Oct 5, 2006
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boatless and happy
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The good news is we got our boat out of storage.

But I found Antifreeze in the bilge and around the the depth finder transducer. I didnt winterize the boat myself the dealer did it so I am not sure what their exact procedure is. Thet told me that they ran anti-freeze through the system i do know that much. Last fall I dont remember seeing anything in the bilge so now I am confused as to where this would of come from. The blue plugs are all in hoses look fine any ideas what might of happened? Is this normal by chance? Does anti-freeze hurt Gelcoat?

Thanks!
 
What color is it? How much? If it's pink stuff, no worries.

Green and orange antifreeze contain ethylene glycol (normally used in FWC engines), while pink antifreeze contains propylene glycol (normally used to winterize).

I would try to drain/clean as much as you can into a bucket.

This is the pink stuff that West Marine sells:

Tasteless, biodegradable, nontoxic and effective

Virgin propylene glycol blend protects against burst damage to -50°F. While just as effective as traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze, propylene glycol is nontoxic and nonpoisonous. -50°F Engine and Water System Antifreeze inhibits fouling and helps lubricate pumps and valves throughout your water and engine systems without harming the drinking water by leaving a toxic residue. We recommend you use this product full strength for maximum protection.

Protects against burst damage to -50°F (-45°C)
As effective as ethylene glycol antifreeze
Inhibits rust and corrosion and lubricates pumps and valves throughout systems

Esteban
 
Some dealers do use green stuff to winterize.

I'm thinking it's one of two things:

* The dealer did use the green winterize stuff and some spill over. This stuff from West Marine:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...0/0/antifreeze/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

* Or, if you have a FWC generator or engine(s), for whatever the reason there was a spill or leak.

If it's a small amount, I wouldn't worry. Just clean and move forward. But monitor in case it's a leak.

Esteban
 
Well I finally got a chance to talk to the tech who winterized the boat. He claims he took one plug out to drain the block and make sure there was anti-freeze in there.

What is really bothering me is I know for a fact there was nothing in the bilge last fall when I put the boat in storage. So were did it come from? I bought some flush muffs today so hopefully the weather will clear long enough to run it and see if I have any problems.
 
Tanner: Sounds like he may have had some spillage when he checked to make sure he had antifreeze circulated throughout the block and manifolds. Rinse it out and dry it with a rag, check it on your first outing....it should be fine.
 
Well I found the cause to my Anti-freeze in the bilge area.

I finally got the boat out into the driveway and was getting ready to hook up the muffs. Opened up the motor cover wings and noticed more Anti-freeze again in the Bilge. Noticed this time it was dripping from one particular area and put my hand down there to find a broken off frost plug. My dealer winterized the boat.

Long story short I was able to get the plug out after a few hours of wrestling with it. FYI regular flat head screw driver seems to be the best fit for these broken plugs.

Called the dealer and they claim its not their fault but that its Mercruisers fault because the part was faulty. I really doubt the plug broke on its own over the winter. To continue...

Is this going to cause problems?
 
So much for my theory :smt021

Good job getting the old plug out. Deffective plug...not likely.
I'd say there is no Mr. Goodwrench at this dealership!

How did the threads on the old plug look? Hopefully the were not crossed! If they are good, then I'd say "Dealer, I want a new block drain plug on his tab, and then move on....unless you find leaks coming from somewhere else upon start up.
 
Help!

Jeff thanks...my thoughts exactly and the threads looked ok.

Well I bought a new plug put it in fired up the motor and guess what it leaks. What do I do? The hose clamp is tight. Is this common after the new plugs first goes in? Help! :smt100

So much for our Mothers Day voyage!

Thanks!
 
Is it leaking where you installed the new drain plug or in another locatioin? Is it a drip or a steady leak?

If it is from the location of the replaced drain plug, you may want to remove it and apply some thread sealer (Permatex anti-seize). Allow the threads in the block to dry before installing the treated drain plug.

If it is coming from somewhere else, I'd couple that baby to my trailer ball and go have a one-on-one with my dealer before Mom's Day! :thumbsup:
 
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