Winterizing I/O motor

Duramaximos · #1 09-25-2011, 12:17 PM

HI folks,

I asked this question in another thread but it deteriorated into a lengthy debate and my question was buried...here's hoping this thread stays on track.

I'm planning on winterizing my 4.3 Volvo this fall, including, engine oil, gear oil, filters, fogging, and anti freeze.

I've accomplished everything on my list, but the antifreeze.

I have the appropiate ear muffs for the intake, and I assume I should fill a 5 gallon pail with antifreeze and let the engine pull the antifreeze into the engine until the pink fluid runs our the back. My question is, should I drain the water out of the water pump, block plugs, and exhaust manifolds before doing this, or will the anti-freeze push out all the water?

Thanks.

bighorn1 · #2 09-25-2011, 01:24 PM

i have a 4.3 i/o as well and have winterized it myself over the past 3-4 winters. i have 5 block/manifold drains on mine that i pull and drain all of the water out of first, i then removed the hoses from the thermostat housing anf keep pouring in antifreeze till it runs out the back of the boat on the leg and have never had an issue.

hope this helps.

AndrewM · #3 09-25-2011, 02:31 PM

Here is a great video on winterizing your boat:
http://www.nait.ca/flash_videos/techlife/winterize.html

AndrewM · #4 09-25-2011, 02:32 PM

I drained the water in mine then topped the hoses up with antrifreeze from the top. Basically followed my owners manual and the video I just posted.

Duramaximos · #5 09-25-2011, 07:05 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

That's a good video. Thanks for posting it. Most of the vids I found on line were terrible.

I'll take a closer look at my Volvo because I'm not sure if I can fill the manifolds from the top. Other than that, I think I can use the method shown in the video and it should save me at least 3 gallons of anti-freeze

AndrewM · #6 09-26-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duramaximos

Thanks for all the replies.

That's a good video. Thanks for posting it. Most of the vids I found on line were terrible.

I'll take a closer look at my Volvo because I'm not sure if I can fill the manifolds from the top. Other than that, I think I can use the method shown in the video and it should save me at least 3 gallons of anti-freeze

3 Gallons of antifreeze is cheap insurance though!