Drain System on '05 4.3 MPI

[Weave]

Hey guys,

Trying to prepare for winterizing a newer set-up. New boat will have a 4.3 MPI with the Mercruiser drain system that includes the knob like mechanism that opens a drain.
My question is, is that the only thing required to drain as far as the engine goes?
I understand the gearlube, gimbal, driveshaft, propshaft, etc. Just want to make sure I have prepared the block correctly to avoid freezing.

 

[Weave]

Anyone? I think it is a single point drain system

 

[estebanj]

There is a single-drain, and some engines have the easy blue knobs, but still multi drain.

Is your intention to drain and/or to run pink antifreeze through the engine?

Esteban

 

[Weave]

I was planning on doing both.....Drain and then run antifreeze

 

[boatdoc100]

Weave
There will be a drian on the right side of the block (as you face the pullies) back toward the bell housing. Also a drain almost directly above that in the bottom of the manifold. If the engine is fresh water cooled there will be a drain in the aft under side of the heat exchanger. Remove these plugs, start engine, rev and shut off. Reinstall plugs. Remove large hose going to thermostat housing. Reomve small short hose going from thermostat housing to manifold. Remove small hose going from thermostat housing to intake or water pump. Pour 1 full gallon of blue(DO NOT USE RED) antifreeze in large hose, 1/2 gallon in manifold hose and 1/2 gallon in water pump hose. You will hear the antifreeze push the water out the outdrive backward from the fill point. Reinstall 3 hoses start engine and pout 10 ozs of Rislone oil treatment into the carb. or plenum intake. Shut off and remove batteries. This takes me about 20 min. total and takes only 2 gallons of antifreeze.
Brad
Pflieger Marine Services

 

[wish2fish]

Link to 4.3 Merc Manual Off season storage is covered in the above link starting on page 67. Draining instructions start on page 69.

Has anyone tried the fogging mix described on page 68? How did it work?

 

[Weave]

Brad.....So you saying to run the motor wiwthout a water source?? Won't that burn up the impeller on an Alpha drive?

Not second guessing but want to make sure I have everything covered.....Expensive motor to replace!

 

[boatdoc100]

When I say start the engine I am saying for 10 seconds tops, this will not hurt anything. There is always water trapped in pockets and the impeller will be unharmed.

 

[Weave]

So on top of being a single point drain system, there should also be two more drains?
I guess I should save all my questions until I can get a nice look at the motor again. I could do my 3.0L no problem and I hate to have to go back and pay someone to winterize hen I know how to do everything, except this critical step.