water jacket and exhaust rust

I hope I know the answer, but let me ask this question anyway....

Background:I successfully executed the "bucket method" of running the boat out of the water. And with that method, I put in 4 gallons of RV anti-freeze to winterize.

Since it was my 1st time winterizing like that, with an inboard boat, I decided to open the petcocks and see how RED the fluid was.

On the exhaust manifold, the antifreeze barely dripped out of the petcock so I removed the whole petcock and found about a handful of packed RUST. Drivers side was not quite as bad, but some was there.

Passenger side jacket flowed well, but I inserted a stiff wire and I could "feel" and hear some rust flakes that did not come out.

Question1: is there a way to stop this in the future.

Question2: To clean the remaining rust, shall I open the inlet of the exhaust manifold and run water thru it this spring?

I figured the rust was natural, I just don't remember seeing that much. I looked for color, 'cause the stuff was very red, going in and very red coming out. So I figured it did not get too watered down. I used to have one of those mini turkey basters with colored balls in it. I hope that will do, cause when I google refractometer...... they cost $80?

malcolm2 wrote: I used to have one of those mini turkey basters with colored balls in it. I hope that will do, cause when I google refractometer...... they cost $80?

NO, The only thing that will test the level of the RV is a refractometer. Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are two different antifreeze's. The "turkey baster with the balls" works on the ethylene. RV is propylene. As I and Tim mentioned, start over.

What engineering field are you involved in?

I am interested in comments on the amount of rust. It seems that wire poking only releases the water. If you are lucky some rust comes out.

8122pbrainard wrote: RV is not a rust inhibitor.

This from the Prestolite website about their RV Antifreeze.

Burst Protection to -50 Degrees Fahrenheit
Ready to Use – Do not dilute
Protection from rust and metal corrosion
Non-Staining Dye
Will not harm plastic (except acetate)

malcolm2 wrote: On the exhaust manifold, the antifreeze barely dripped out of the petcock so I removed the whole petcock and found about a handful of packed RUST.

Clark,
I forgot to ask what type of petcocks are on your engine. Hopefully they aren't the ones Skidim sells. Any pictures?

leetudor wrote: When I winterize a boat, if it has petcocks in the block I will remove them and replace with a brass plug.

I do the opposite! But, I use a specific petcock where the stem is completely removable. This allows for the probing with a wire.




These are not the cheap "radiator" type drains.
Lee, why are you removing them? Are they the cheap ones?

I got those from McMaster-Carr on Pete's recomendation on my Mustang. They are great,I'll actually open them up once and awhile when it's running so it flushes out. Mine stays real clean but I have seen muddy water come out once.

8122pbrainard wrote: Are you removing the cheap ones?

I am a equal opportunity remover and remove all.

8122pbrainard wrote: Yes, you have stated you remove them but haven't said why?

Yes I did, look at post 14 or so.

With a petcock the blockage is more than likely in the bushing that is screwed in to the engine block not the engine block itself. If you replace the complete petcock assembly with a plug that is as deep as the casting wall or a bit longer the hole will not clog.

8122pbrainard wrote: leetudor wrote: When I winterize a boat, if it has petcocks in the block I will remove them and replace with a brass plug. I do the opposite! But, I use a specific petcock where the stem is completely removable. This allows for the probing with a wire. These are not the cheap "radiator" type drains. Lee, why are you removing them? Are they the cheap ones?

All 5 of mine are like this. To probe the "T" needs to be totally removed.

I was really concerned with the amount of rust I found. No one seems to be mentioning HOW MUCH, just that it is expected.

I suppose, in the future, I will do like some have mentioned and open these little ports during the summer and get some out.

This was my first year to have and winterize this boat. I was also surprised by the rust out of the exhaust manifold. The opening is large enough to put a finger in there and feel around, and feel some of the loose particles of rust on the bottom of the manifold. My block drained pretty darn clear, comparable to my other boat.

If all goes well, that won't be necessary because I will put 50+ hours worth of lake water through the manifolds next year and flush the rust right out of there while getting buoys, riding on the boom, etc! :)

If you launch at 7 points I have seen you. I was not in my Nautique though, did not own it yet, but in a 19 foot Stingray. That is going to be the family boat. The Nautique is my toy!