Winterizing A PCM GT40

Thanks to Keno's excellent scientific methods, we have this experiment to fully understand what the outcome may be without draining all the water out of the block before filling with antifreeze.

I am a personal fan of the pour in method as during my process it is actually faster than using the bucket. I leave the drain plugs out and start pouring. Then as the block fills some AF will get the remaining bits of water out, and I'll plug that drain. Continue to pour until the next drain location gets AF and plug. Do the same thing with the exhaust. Unfortunately, i have had to accept that "end of season" and 1 week old means early winterization for me too this year.

side note: i didn't see Keno's post over on the Boat Maintenance FAQ, maybe it could get added over there as it is such an excellent resource during these winterizing discussions.

rwittmer wrote: Then he fogs the carburator and changes the oil and filter.

Well, this is a tough call. I guess it boils down to personal preference. Without getting into too much detail, I scoured this site before my first winterizing and kept track of EVERY step people take. Some processes were different than others, omitting or changing order of some parts. My conclusion from the research was that as long as you get basically ALL water out of the engine to prevent it from expanding and cracking the block, you are probably pretty safe. Anything else you do is whether you thinks its necessary or want to do the absolute most to keep your boat in tip-top shape.

I guess the point of posting that link that Keno made was to show that by not draining the water, you for sure will be diluting the AF and lowering it's protection ability. Will that lead to the engine being ruined? probably not, but that's your call/gamble.

Personally I warm up the engine and change the oil first, so there is fresh oil in there. Other people would rather change in the spring. Some fog the carb and let the engine suck it into the chambers, i prefer to do it manually into each cylinder. As I said before, i believe it comes down to personal preference.

rwittmer wrote: That's about it and that's the best way to do it. Yes it's true you will need a large supply of antifreeze but still seems easy enough.

Best way seems pretty subjective. Plenty of people have done things in various ways all with success. Some people have used successful ways with utter failure. The bucket/pull method does seem to waste more AF overall, and Im frugal (ok cheap) and don't want to spend more $$ on stuff if i don't have to. Pouring it in is like 2.5 gallons. I'd say i can generally winterize my boat (with everything) in about 30-45 min. Depends on if I want an excuse to not work on anything else Don't be scared to winterize yourself. Just make a game plan for your first time so you don't miss something you feel is important. Take your time. After that it becomes second nature.

Rene,
It sure sounds like you are against removing some drain plugs, disconnecting some hoses and then pouring some antifreeze in the block. Have you ever used a refractometer before? If you do the pump through, then I highly recommend using one. Good luck.

Gary S wrote: and DON'T let anyone tell you different......

What did I say when you asked the question???

This is against Pleasurecraft Marine's own instructions in the engine's owners manual

PULL THE DRAIN PLUGS. IT MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE TO NOT REMOVE THEM.

Not trying to be a jerk, but if you can turn the ignition key to start it you can turn the drain plugs to remove them. It's that easy.

THANKS

gun-driver wrote: After 10 years of owning my GT-40 this year I found the easiest way to winterize it... I sold it

That should work! I hope for the sake of the next owner you fogged the distributor and drained the spark plugs before you sold it.

He told me I have to personally pick up my deposit. When I asked why I had to be there in person told me to ask you.
Then he went on and on about how you stop in all the time and use some song and dance about how you need to inventory his box and blah, blah, blah. So I guess I’ll just leave it between you two.

you missed the j-tube on the front of the engine, near the water pump

but id say you will be okay, just slightly less concentrated AF

Also don't forget to take the hose off the transmission cooler.