I'm winterizing the boat myself (as opposed to having it done at the dealer)for the first time this year. My plan was to put the 5 gallons of antifreeze in a five gallon bucket next to the sterndrive on the ground & let the engine suck it out. I have seen / read where others set the bucket on the swim platform. Will either way work or does setting it on the swim platform allow for some type of siphoning effect?
Winterizing trivia question....
- Thread starter avguy
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wish2fish
Active Member
putting the bucket on the platform will help with some head pressure. i.e. at least the fluid will be above the pump now.
Sundancer
Well-Known Member
- Jul 20, 2005
- 2,909
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- 34 year old CLASSIC 300 DA, towed almost anywhere behind the Duramax Dually Crew Cab.
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Setting it on the swimplatforms allows a slight positive pressure to build to the pump. This means the pump will take all of the antifreeze that is in the hose above the muffs. Setting it on the ground next to it means as soon as the level in the bucket drops below the pump inside the outdrive, you will no longer pull the antifreeze unless you have a "perfect" airtight seal with the muffs and I doubt you will accomplish this. The muffs aren't airtight or watertight. You will have to prime the system if it sits on the ground. At least elevate it so that it's higher than the impellar so the antifreeze will run down hill to the muffs/impellar.
If you boat is FWC'd then make sure it's up to temp before adding the antifreeze. I just drain my block, but that's a personal preference.
If you boat is FWC'd then make sure it's up to temp before adding the antifreeze. I just drain my block, but that's a personal preference.
Go Aweigh2452
Active Member
- Aug 8, 2007
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- its in my signature
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This is because if the engine is not up to temp, the thermostat will not be open and the block will not have any antifreeze in it.
It is best to empty the block of all water (not including the FW system with antifreeze in it) since air does not freeze and can not crack blocks.
Plus it is better for the environment... no antifreeze to dump the next spring...
wreckless123
Member
Why not just pull the plugs on the exhaust manifold and block to drain the water, then pull off three hoses off the motor and fill them with coolant.. Done. Takes 10 minutes..
Daddubo
New Member
Don't forget the lower water pump hose it holds a lot of water
Jack F
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- Oct 3, 2008
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Garmin 545s,
North Star NS100ss.
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WinterizingYour Boat
The BoatU.S. Marine Insurance and Damage Avoidance Program
http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/winter/winterizing.pdf
