Dewinterization blues

Mark007

New Member
Aug 3, 2020
11
Pictou, Nova Scotia, CANADA
Boat Info
2005 Sea Ray 320
Engines
Twin 350 Mercruiser (5.7L) MAG MPI V drive engines
Hey folks hoping for some help please.

When I winterized my 2005 Sea Ray 320 with V drives (merc Mag MPI 5.7L with heat exchangers) I sucked plumbers antifreeze from the Raw Water strainers until antifreeze was shooting out the side of the boat (wet exhaust). This spring I discover that one of the fuel coolers (Gen 3) has a broken off blue plastic knob and allows raw water to know drain into my bilge (port engine). I replaced the cap after digging out threaded part (fun job). Second issue was on stboard engine…the new Hardin stainless water pump replaced just last year blew its seal and was also leaking. I know need a new seal kit and am thinking maybe I should have changed pump to a jackshaft one rather than match orginal configuration of merc design. Thoughts appreciated. Did I do something wrong with winterization? Does sucking plumbers antifreeze through sea strainer do differently than using the hose quick connect? They both tie in the same feed line from my thinking.

Finally a third issue was the port side alternator siezed and it was new last year. I was able to unstick it and alternator was checked out seems ok…now spins smooth. It caused the engine to blow a belt. Then belt tensioner bolt was jammed when I went to change belt.

Finally after all this the following weekend getting thing ready for launch, the ignition coil failed no spark but it was actually corrosion inside the connector plug. I cleaned inside plug and added dielectric grease (works good now).

Yes I operate in salt water through our 3-4 month season.


Thanks
 

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Hey folks hoping for some help please.

When I winterized my 2005 Sea Ray 320 with V drives (merc Mag MPI 5.7L with heat exchangers) I sucked plumbers antifreeze from the Raw Water strainers until antifreeze was shooting out the side of the boat (wet exhaust). This spring I discover that one of the fuel coolers (Gen 3) has a broken off blue plastic knob and allows raw water to know drain into my bilge (port engine). I replaced the cap after digging out threaded part (fun job). Second issue was on stboard engine…the new Hardin stainless water pump replaced just last year blew its seal and was also leaking. I know need a new seal kit and am thinking maybe I should have changed pump to a jackshaft one rather than match orginal configuration of merc design. Thoughts appreciated. Did I do something wrong with winterization? Does sucking plumbers antifreeze through sea strainer do differently than using the hose quick connect? They both tie in the same feed line from my thinking.

Finally a third issue was the port side alternator siezed and it was new last year. I was able to unstick it and alternator was checked out seems ok…now spins smooth. It caused the engine to blow a belt. Then belt tensioner bolt was jammed when I went to change belt.

Finally after all this the following weekend getting thing ready for launch, the ignition coil failed no spark but it was actually corrosion inside the connector plug. I cleaned inside plug and added dielectric grease (works good now).

Yes I operate in salt water through our 3-4 month season.


Thanks
Do you need the full kit for the Gen 7 water pump or just the gasket and rubber seal between the plastic housing? If you need the full kit, you’ll need a press for the bearings.

Edit: dumb question - but are you getting any salt water spray in your engine compartment? Weird that your new alternator seized up.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for reply. A buddy helped me. I ordered a new hardin marine rebuild kit and he did the seals and bearings. Fingers crossed for this next year. I think last year, before I noticed a salt water leak in the mercruiser raw water pump, some water leaked around the pump and maybe onto the pulley and hence sprayed the engine. Perhaps this affected alternator.
 
Mark, when i winterize i always spray the entire engine and any electrical connectors with a silicone spray. The same i use on my jet ski after use. This keeps anything from seizing up or getting corrosion over the layaway time. Also keeps the gremlins away. And we all know how they get in over the winter months
 

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