antifreeze through trans cooler

We have done this in the past without problems, but wanted to run it past you guys. If a person drains the engine block, manifolds, and RWP...is it possible (or safe) to pour the antifreeze through the top of the trans cooler so it will pump through the motor? The previous owner along with me the first 2 years used this as the winterization process.

Is it just a much better practice to take the thermostat out and pour antifreeze into the block that way then fill the manifolds?

I am just thinking about this and wondering if the manifolds will fill before the block will be completely filled? Wonder how long it takes for the thermostat to close after you shut the motor down? I guess the procedure would be to get the boat on the trailer and in the parking lot. Drain block and mainfolds. Probably 5 minutes or so. Then get filling the system with antifreeze through the trans cooler while running. When pouring the last gallon in, start fogging motor. Again, we have done this before, but wondering if I am playing with fire?

This winter skiing thing is almost over rated. Is there some kind of award for coldest outing of the year???? Maybe just dumbass award!

Todd, if you drain the block and manifolds, the block will fill with AF first before the manifolds even if the engine is stone cold, my friend. The T-stat is not even in the equation.

Didn't go to the lake. Instead of driving the boat, I was driving the toilet bus. Got a bout of the 6 hour flu. We had the dry suit out and everything. Maybe this weekend though! It is supposed to be 50 or so!

You need to drain the block first of all the lake water, then it WILL fill with A/F by pouring down that hose.

PCM manual...

This the only way I've ever winterized.

Looks like this same discussion is going on in the "back filling with antifreeze" thread and there is some confusion there too???

If it matters, I have the 83' SN2001. Ford 351. For you guys that know more about the motors than I do, I have the one WITHOUT the little u-shaped connection below the RWP.

Dembry wrote: i have drained the block, manifolds, water strainer, even the lines to the transmission. Still when I remove the hose from the top of the RWP and pour in, it runs straight out the manifold drains.

Actually this is true. You have to replace the manifold drains as you'll get a little flow out of them when you pour it in. It doesn't mean that none is going to the block, it just means gravity is doing its job and splashing a bit of AF into the manifolds before committing to the block. So, replace ALL drains, then backfill.

TRBenj wrote: If you have a Commander (pictured below) and not a PCM, that changes everything. While the cooling systems are similar, they are not identical. All the discussion has been regarding the PCM system. Try pulling the lower end of the hose going to the circ pump and see if its holding any water.

I should have explained, sorry about that. Yes that is exactly what I have. Alright, thanks guys, I will pul the hose to the circ. pump and see what I get. If nothing else, like I said, Im just going to pull the t-stat housing and pour in that way. Damn all this talk of winterizing really depresses me.