Winterizing Question

Eric, I'm still not convinced. On my 351, I feel good that both manifolds are empty after draining, as the angle of the motor is such that the plugs are at the lowest point. However, the block plugs, the port side is at the back of the block, and with the angle of the motor in the boat, it is lower than the "casting plugs" and most of the water comes out when removed. The starboard side however, the plug is toward the front of the block and, if I remember correctly, is higher than the "casting plugs". Together, with the angle of the motor, there could be significant water left on that side after draining. I always raise and lower the jack on the trailer to get out as much water as possible. Many have said in this thread that there can always be water left in the block after draining. This is the reason, in my opinion, that anti freeze should be added. I believe water expands in all direction when frozen, not just to any available "open" space. Any experts that can confirm or deny my thinking here?

C-Bass wrote: FYI Pete, I hope you didn't think my post was directed at you, because it wasn't. I meant that everything I did not quote was respectable...the part I quoted Rodger on was the part I was making a point on.

Craig,
Thanks for clearing that up. I actually did think your post was directed at me and It really surprised me. Once again, a good example of putting thoughts down in words and still making the point clear!!

6strings wrote: I believe water expands in all direction when frozen, not just to any available "open" space. Any experts that can confirm or deny my thinking here?

That is correct. Ice is the molecules in the water forming a crystal lattice. They expand out equally in every direction. Better proof than that tho is when I was a kid I put an open plastic cup of water in the freezer. Although the water/ice had plenty of room to move up toward the top of the cup, the ice pushed out the sides of the cup, cracking it open.

my dis-claimer "drain block fill with anti-freeze"
you do have a point but the experts use thier lift truck on the tongue of the trailer to raise it 6ft and then swing the jack and bring it all the way down to insure the water is out, or with compressed air we will blow the rest of the water out, if. if. if any is left in there.
its a double edged sword, if you are not quite sure that you got all the water out then by all means throw in some anti-freeze, no need to use 5 gallons because it trickles out the back into your driveway. 1.5 to 2 gallons is more than enough in an empty or 98% emptied block. most of all, use common sense on this, raise or lower the boat to get the water out or blow it with air. i do this every year and feel comfortable doing it this way and hopefully not to offend and say this is the way you have to do it because i said...they are mere suggestions to make it easier and make people more comfortable doing it at home by themselves.
Just mentioning the green anti-freeze being dumped into the lake is a valid point, maybe some read that and thought to themselves.....maybe i shouldnt do that

One thing I’d like to know from the “fill your engine with antifreeze” bunch is; which freezes first; nothing, or antifreeze?

Not all antifreeze is created equally.

and GD, here i thought things shrank when they froze

Surprisingly enough, the pink AF is cleared for use in food products by the FDA. Interesting. Soon the lake that my marina is on will be pink, edible, and available for use all year!!

oh don't worry, im sure the additives would just clean the digestive tract right up

8122pbrainard wrote: SN206 wrote: Thoughts on anything other than stabilizer if I'm keeping her in a heated shop? Ryan, I'll fog and Stabil only and not even bother with draining.

Please pardon my ignorance, but how would I fog it(ZR6)? When I was a kid we would just pour some marvel down the carb, but in this case...Should I pull the plugs and just squirt some in the cylinders? I'll likely use it on New Years Day, or down at St. John's at the latest so should I even bother?

GottaSki wrote: My pool noodles have been in service since spring of '96. I'll reach in grab one, let you know how its fairing. I suspect they are fine, but I'm sure its a lot easier to renoodle than to refoam.

The ones I checked were used in an indoor pool with virtually no sitting out in the sun. I would try empty soda bottles if I was doing one over.

GottaSki wrote: I'm sure its a lot easier to renoodle than to refoam.

What a treat they would be to remove.


WLS, cleared by the FDA?    I do recall seeing the statement "generally regarded as safe" on the label. Not sure that really means approved for use, or not.

Fl Inboards wrote: SN206 wrote: Sadly enough, have not used it in a month, should I still not worry about it, and is there any ethonal-free gas in FL?

Your local airport.

^^wow^^

I will pass.

What in the hell would you add that too, foodwise?

There's three gas stations near me that sell ethanol free, 87 octane. The way I winterize mine, mentioned earlier has worked for me. About 5 years ago we had some unusual cold weather, freezing rain, 2 foot long ice. Here's a pic.

imdeeds wrote: By the way is this the correct thread to talk about the best oil,Obama,and religion?

No, just child rearing.