Quick winterise method

[ally505]

I plan to use the boat over the winter months so need to come up with a quick winterise method. As I have the closed cooling zr6, I’m wondering if I can simply run antifreeze through the heat exchanger/manifold via the bucket method. I’ve used this method on prior boats, most recently a raw water cooled indmar 350tbi. I have created my version of a fake a lake so can close off the raw water hull intake and have a hose routed to a 25ltr drum so simple enough to draw antifreeze in and I can catch it in the exhaust via another bucket.
Is there a thermostat in the raw water cooling side, Ie will I have run up to temperature first, or simply a case of drawing the antifreeze through and the manifolds, exchanger, filter and transmission cooler then protected.

The ballast tanks I can easily empty so my concern is with the engine alone.

Thanks!

[DW SD]

There is no thermostat in my he raw water system.

I’d add a fitting to the raw water system where you can use compressed air to blow out the raw water so it won’t freeze.

The closed aspect which I’d have thought would include the heater should not freeze if you have sufficient antifreeze %.

You could use antifreeze in the raw water loop. But I do think you could just blow it out with compressed air.
If need be add a tee valve which would drain cooling water if you think it’d pool somewhere.

I’d add the inlet air fitting near the raw water pump so you can blow the water out the exhaust manifold.



Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[ally505]

I don't have access to compressed air where the boat is so unfortunately not an option. With there being no stat to worry about, I'm guessing the easiest option is to the drum of antifreeze.

[DW SD]

That would work. Or buy a cheapie air compressor from harbor freight. Pump it up to pressurize at home and haul it along. You'd be surprised the uses for a compressor.
Even a small pancake one would carry enough air. So would a nitrogen tank off-roaders use for airing up their tires.
Good luck!
Doug

[charlesml3]

My neighbor has a G23 with the 450 engine so it's partially closed loop. He uses the boat year-round. He took all the blue plugs out and replaced them with brass petcocks. When they come in, he just opened all of those valves and lets the water drain.

-Charles