Is dealer misleading us a bit on winterization requirement?

paulswagelock

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2010
2,183
pa
Boat Info
2018 SDX 270 OB 300 Verado
Engines
Verado 300
so my friend has a 2017 SDX270 with the Merc manufactured 6.2 raw water cooled engine, with the season extender drain pump. We have been winterizing boats for 20 years now and they told us something I want to check.

Our method is we drain the system completely with the season extender, then pull the blue plugs on the cool fuel and that grey plastic ball shaped collector on the front port side. Then we run the engine on marine AF drawing in 4-5 gallons. We let it recirculate and keep it running for a few minutes on the antifreeze by collecting it and repumping it in the lower unit. Once finished, this year he drained it again using the season extender.

He had warranty work so he dropped it off at the dealer. When done they are putting it outside. They called him and said it needed winterized because there was water in the system. He told him our process and they said he needed to pull the blue plug on the plastic ball collector because water drained back into it and it would crack over the winter. They plan to run it on antifreeze yet again.

I never heard of water making it back into that collector especially after draining, running for 5 minutes on straight antifreeze, then draining again. What water? Did the 2-3 ounces they drained look clear instead of purple from it sitting a month and simply not enough liquid to show color. Just looking for some revenue?

Opinions?
 
Last edited:
You didn't say what the warranty work was but maybe they ran the boat, that's how they know it needs to be re-winterized.
 
Sorry, no engine work, fiberglass and trim work. Forgot to mention that.
 
You did a very thorough, safe job of winterizing. No further action is needed.
I drain, put plugs back in, run AF through it by sucking it through the muffs, then pull the plugs and drain again, just like you. It takes 15 minutes.
 

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