Closed Cooling question

[Jakeo]

I have been looking for the exact (Model) boat I first ordered in 86 and sold in 2002(its was a 87) and I found one within 2 hours from home. I went yesterday to look at it and it looks to be in excellent condition BUT when he told me how it was winterized..I had to step back.
The engine I had was the 165 4 cylinder with closed cooling system and when I winterized it (well I watched)we pulled the lower unit, greased gimbal bearing, changed lower unit oil, started and run anti freeze thru and fogged untill it quit running and then pulled the plugs from bottom of heat exchanger. Done.
I never had 1 problem in the spring.
This boat has is a 86 with the 170 4 cylinder with ccs and the owner told me that to winterize he only pulled the plug from the back of the heat exchanger and added fuel stableizer.Period.
I asked if thats the way he did every year and he said he had never done it...always had the marina do it.
I want this boat BAD but I am sceptical to his winterizing.
Please excuse my spelling But .What would you do?
TY

 

[BlewByYou88]

If the marina was taking care of it, I wouldn't be too concerned. Get a mechaninc out there to do a full inspection on the engine and drive, thats about all you can do.

 

[aqua*holic]

Ty,

I agree with blewbyyou. In my opinion, getting the water out of the block and making sure it doesn't freeze and putting fuel stabilizer are the only real MUST do's with winterizing. Fogging is to prevent internal engine rust, so for people like me in New Mexico it is debatable on the importance. You can change drive oil, grease gimbal bearings, etc in the spring if you want.

I would have a mechanic up there check it out if you want the boat bad enough.

 

[Jakeo]

Ty,

I agree with blewbyyou. In my opinion, getting the water out of the block and making sure it doesn't freeze and putting fuel stabilizer are the only real MUST do's with winterizing. Fogging is to prevent internal engine rust, so for people like me in New Mexico it is debatable on the importance. You can change drive oil, grease gimbal bearings, etc in the spring if you want.

I would have a mechanic up there check it out if you want the boat bad enough.

THanks for the replys. I am very serious about it if the motor checks out and YES I am going to have a survey.

 

[tdschafer]

This boat has is a 86 with the 170 4 cylinder with ccs and the owner told me that to winterize he only pulled the plug from the back of the heat exchanger and added fuel stableizer.Period.
I asked if thats the way he did every year and he said he had never done it...always had the marina do it.
I want this boat BAD but I am sceptical to his winterizing.
Please excuse my spelling But .What would you do?
TY

Does pulling the plug from the back of the heat exchanger get all of the water out of the block? I am not familiar with this type of procedure.

 

[aqua*holic]

Does pulling the plug from the back of the heat exchanger get all of the water out of the block? I am not familiar with this type of procedure.

A closed cooling system is set up like a car engine. Antifreeze is circulated through the block and sea/lake water is pumped through the heat exchanger to remove the heat. Draining the block is not necessary.

 

[tdschafer]

A closed cooling system is set up like a car engine. Antifreeze is circulated through the block and sea/lake water is pumped through the heat exchanger to remove the heat. Draining the block is not necessary.

Aqua,
Duh!! Thanks!! :thumbsup:
I must have had a brain fart there. I am so used to the old Raw water system I had for 20+ years I kinda forgot what the heck I was thinking.:huh:

 

[aqua*holic]

I hear ya td.

I think all the cold is starting to show ill effects...:smt101

 

[seaslush]

the water pump to the heat exchanger needs to be drained too
I would buy the boat in the spring after a sea trial...