Didn't winterize - how to get ready for spring?

src said:
Be careful with the shop vac if there's anything like oil or gas in the bilge. The vac could ignite the fluids as it sucks them up and creates vapors. Use a sponge and a bucket or a hand pump if you think there's anything flammable in there.
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Thank you...I forgot to add that in. I always add a good amount of soap to get things broken up and leave the blowers running. I also keep a bilge pillow down there to soak up the oil and scum
 
Mostly the packing, then I am still dealing with rain water getting in the vents. I also had a quart of power steering fluid down there for my trim tabs that tipped over. I need to get down there and clean...big time!
 
Well, you guys scared me about blowing up the boat with the shop-vac, because there is definitely oil in the bilge. Instead, I got one of the oil-absorbent "dogs", but couldn't figure out how to get it down to where the fluid is because of all the hoses and wires and whatnot. Always something, right? But, I did top off the oil and then fire up the engine for a while. Checked the oil again, and it had dropped noticeably. Then I noticed that there was a little oily sheen on the water, on the side of the boat where the bilge pump is (sorry for adding to the Potomac pollution problem!). So I'm pretty sure oil is somehow leaking in to the bilge. But, the engine is running smoothly and there's no smoke, so it seems that oil must also be getting to the engine. I'm going back down this afternoon, to try to figure out where the leak is, and hoping that it's something easy/ cheap!

I feel really sexist saying this, but I'm a woman, and times like this make me think: "So THIS must be why people have husbands!!!" :)
 
I hope you get it straight. Good luck with it.
 
Well, this never-ending saga continues! Turns out, the leak is actually just water, coming from somewhere on the side of the engine. I thought it was oil earlier, because I guess it was mixing with some oil or other fluid in the bilge, and I hadn't been able to really locate where the fluid was coming from. Once it was all clean, I got down in there and could easily see water coming out; not pouring, but more than a drip. Something with the cooling system, I'm guessing?

I took a short video, if anyone's interested: http://youtu.be/pLPHX4dIyGQ

Anyway, a new friend from the marina who does all his own engine work has offered to take a look and see if together we can fix it. I'm hoping so, because not only would it be a great learning experience for me, but it might save me a little money. A girl can dream, right?
 
Let's all laugh if your problem is merely a loose water drain plug. And then say your sorry to the mechanics your dissed.
 
Oh, I will laugh, and maybe even do a little dance with glee, if that's all it is! And maybe send flowers and chocolates to the mechanics ...
 
I feel your pain with all the worry you are going through, I have been there. Left my little lake boat full of water and it hit minus 20 Celsius in September for a couple days in northern Alberta. I got real lucky and only pushed out the frost plugs. On Van Isle I don't winterized my 290 as it's in the water full time and we don't get cold enough, just a little bilge heater for piece of mind.

I am no expert but your video would scare me as an owner, but you could get lucky with a drain plug. Best of luck and look forward to seeing how it turns out, hopefully good.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Mine did the same thing after missing the drain plug on the right bank. The issue was the freeze plug popped out which is what it's there for. If the block is cracked then I would think the leak would be less. That flow is pretty much what comes out when the freeze plug is blown.
 
Can you get a mirror down there and shoot more video without getting the mirror wet? The water is coming from the drain plug area. Fingers crossed. Make sure to watch your water temp while you are running this leaking engine.
 
Turns out, it was a freeze plug! Replaced it (with help), and then ran the engine for a while and it didn't overheat. Is it possible that I got really lucky??? Here's hoping!

Just posted a new thread in general maintenance, if anyone is interested in the ongoing saga of me trying to get this boat in working order. Thread is "Boat only starts on shore power".

Thank you all for your advice and concern and interest! I'm so happy that there doesn't seem to be a crack in the engine block.
 
Hi all. This year, I got a full winterization done, and did it early! Lesson learned from last year, and I'm so glad that nothing worse happened. Also, I learned that the boat has a bilge heater, and so I feel especially stupid. This year has been colder than last, or at least it's been freezing for longer periods of time, and the Potomac is frozen. I was terrified because I keep the boat in water year-round and it's only 7-9 feet deep, but I went to the marina a few days ago and it seems the bubblers are doing their job and the water in the marina is not frozen.

Here's hoping that spring comes soon, and that we all can get out on the water soon!
 
FireDrill said:
Hi all. This year, I got a full winterization done, and did it early! Lesson learned from last year, and I'm so glad that nothing worse happened. Also, I learned that the boat has a bilge heater, and so I feel especially stupid. This year has been colder than last, or at least it's been freezing for longer periods of time, and the Potomac is frozen. I was terrified because I keep the boat in water year-round and it's only 7-9 feet deep, but I went to the marina a few days ago and it seems the bubblers are doing their job and the water in the marina is not frozen.

Here's hoping that spring comes soon, and that we all can get out on the water soon!
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Winter has sucked this year. Still have ice below the lift, and another couple of days of refreeze. I am so ready to hunt me a groundhog! :smt043

Bryan
 
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