widowmaker
New Member
Well, I decided I was going to winterize the boat myself this year after reading up on the topic on this site and others. First I added Stabil, ran the engine for 15 minutes w/ muffs on the water hose to warm up to the 170 mark on the gauge, (170 steady for 5 minutes). Shut off, quickly drained water from engine with the 2 blue plugs, 1 upper and 1 lower. Removed the fuel filter, spilled some (used towel and blower), poured off half the filter gas and topped off with 2 cycle oil and reinstalled. Re-installed drain plugs and then hooked the muffs up to my 5-gallon bucket with hose mounted in the bottom. I used the -50 degree pink stuff rv/ marine antifreeze w/ bucket on swim platform. I then started the engine and checked that the antifreeze was getting sucked in. It wasn't!! I shut her down in 15-30 total seconds (gauge said 150). I discovered an air lock in the bucket drain hose (loop)that wasn't allowing the fluid in. Once I established flow I re-started her and ran until the bucket was almost drained (1/2 inch left).
Question? Did I damage my impeller? It drew the antifreeze down pretty quickly so I guess it's still working. I'll have to wait till spring to check and see if it overheats. I assume the engine is freeze protected, pink stufff dribbled out when I pulled the muffs. Also, I didn't really notice any major engine smoke from the oil mixture however I didn't look too closely though because of the problem. I also washed, waxed, change oil, etc.... Will do the gear lube next week.
Question? Did I damage my impeller? It drew the antifreeze down pretty quickly so I guess it's still working. I'll have to wait till spring to check and see if it overheats. I assume the engine is freeze protected, pink stufff dribbled out when I pulled the muffs. Also, I didn't really notice any major engine smoke from the oil mixture however I didn't look too closely though because of the problem. I also washed, waxed, change oil, etc.... Will do the gear lube next week.
