Don't Laugh at This Question, Please. Using Alcohol Instead of the "Pink Stuff"?

[rpasquarello]

OK Guys,

Don't beat me up on this one but I had two "old timers" suggest this as a winterizing trick they use and want to get your feddback.

I drained my 20 gallon fresh water tank in preparation for the winterization process and was told that if I dumped the "pink stuff" (ie antifreeze) into the tank, it would be a hassle to flush out in the Spring. It was suggested to me to get either a cheap bottle of gin or vodka and to pour that into the tank instead. I will still run the pink stuff through the plumbing/pump and hot water/AC, etc.

OK, sound off!

-Rocco-

:smt024

 

[Lazy Daze]

Actually, there really is no reason to put anything in the tank. As long as you run it as dry as it will go (you won't get everything out, but that's OK - probably still see a good inch or so in there) and run the pink through the lines, you're good to go.

The hot water heater doesn't get anything put in it, either.

 

[DaleM]

I agree with Lazy Daze. I just made a small hose that I can connect directly to the water pump. The other end goes into a jug of pink and then I run it through the FW systems, head, swimplatform washdown, etc. Prior to all that I connect a regulated air compressor to the dock water supply and blow out all the lines first (removing water) from anything that handles water. I drain (per the manufacturers instructions) and bypass the HW tank prior to all of that. THEN do the pink trick and then blow out the pink using the compressor one more time. Keeps the funky tastes out of things for the next season and I haven't had any issues with freeze damage. No pink goes into the FW tank itself.

 

[paulswagelock]

OK Guys,

Don't beat me up on this one but I had two "old timers" suggest this as a winterizing trick they use and want to get your feddback.

I drained my 20 gallon fresh water tank in preparation for the winterization process and was told that if I dumped the "pink stuff" (ie antifreeze) into the tank, it would be a hassle to flush out in the Spring. It was suggested to me to get either a cheap bottle of gin or vodka and to pour that into the tank instead. I will still run the pink stuff through the plumbing/pump and hot water/AC, etc.

OK, sound off!

-Rocco-

:smt024

I do not think I would do it personally, but yes, the alcohol could work fine. The pink stuff, depending on manufacturer, is alcohol based. Alcohol has a lower freeze point than water. It freezes at -173 degF. However, depending on concentration and temperature, maybe not low enough.

• 24 proof liquor freezes at (20°F)
• 64 proof liquor freezes at (-10°F)
• 84 proof liquor freezes at (-30°F)

I agree with the others, leave the tank as empty as possible and either blow out the lines or fill with antifreeze.

 

[moparlvr4406]

forget the pink stuff
just top it all the way up with rum and drink it in the spring rather than drain it :grin:

 

[Al Gross]

Rocco--
I have friends that use cheap vodka in their water during Winter and don't have a problem. They have been doing this for years; however, they're in Viginia Beach area where it doesn't get real cold. I'd suggest the further North you get (e.g., New York), the more likely you should use "the PINK stuff" as standard vodka would likely not protect your water system as well in more severe conditions.

 

[300SR]

Move south!!!!

 

[CliffA]

forget the pink stuff
just top it all the way up with rum and drink it in the spring rather than drain it :grin:

i have been thinking about putting Jack Daniels mixed with ginger ale in my fresh water tank, but it has nothing to do with engine freeze protection....:grin:

 

[rpasquarello]

I am personally an Amaretto drinker and can never justify wasting a bottle Amaretto Di Saronno !

I'll go with my original plans of draining, blowing out and using the "pink stuff".

 

[At Ease]

Perhaps vodka and cranberry juice in the tank....that should attract lots of women folk in the spring.

Just use the transom shower like the drink dispensers at the bar!

 

[sdarc]

i have been thinking about putting Jack Daniels mixed with ginger ale in my fresh water tank, but it has nothing to do with engine freeze protection....:grin:

Either this or the vodka or gin... gives you something to look forward to come spring.

 

[Skuza]

Tracking down a split water line in spring will make you GLAD you saved a few bucks on antifreeze!
Just use it and be safe. I've never had an issue flushing it out. Key is to not fill the hot water heater and run a few clean tanks before turning on the heater as to not bake any taste into the element.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Air can't freeze so keep the tanks empty. I still hate the use of the pink stuff... it is still a poison... low amount, but a poison none the less. Some people are very susceptible to low dose poisons too.

Dump the tanks and keep them empty... its that simple...

 

[Creekwood]

Four gallons of the pink non-tox antifreeze = $11. Four gallons of vodka = $??????
What am I missing in this equation?