Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Winter Coolant In or Out

B

bogdenz

Regular Contributor
"I’ve heard conflicting method

"I’ve heard conflicting methods of proper winterization when it comes to coolant in a raw water engine. Both involve the obvious draining of the block and running RV coolant through it.

The next step is where there seems to be two schools of thought. After confirming that the engine contains only pure/undiluted coolant (whether via the exhaust or by loosening the block plugs, etc.), it seems that some people choose to pull the plugs and fully-drain the engine of the coolant……leaving the block “dry”. I’ve been from the camp that leaves some coolant in the block over the winter……under the assumption that A) the temp isn’t going to hit the slush/freeze point of the coolant and B) that the coolant is also serving the purpose of providing anti-corrosion properties.

Is one of these methods the right or the wrong way…..or is it a six-of-one/half-dozen-of-another kind of thing?"
 
The way I see it what is the p

The way I see it what is the point of adding antifreeze if you are just going to drain it out. If you drain the block and stick a wire up the hole once in a while to make sure you don't get rust clogging up the hole you will be fine. That said I like to drain then refill with antifreeze for the anti corrosive properties. In the end I bet 6 and 1/2 dozen to the other.
 
"Drain the block & all wat

"Drain the block & all water cooled passages as much as possible... Then introduce A/F & LEAVE IT IN! Safe than sorry is better than 1/2 of 1 or 6 of the other, imho."
 
Cool. That's the route I w

Cool. That's the route I went....drained the block down to the bone via a fitting that screws into the block plug holes and attaches to a shop vac (b/c I get a lot of sand in my raw water).

I then filled it w/coolant and had every intention of leaving it there....until a friend explained how his mechanic winterized his ski boat (via the "dry block" method). Didn't make sense to me....but my sense isn't always right.

Thanks for confirming.
 
"Does bare metal rust faster i

"Does bare metal rust faster if it's submerged in Pink Stuff, or left open to damp air?

Fill 'em up!

Jeff"
 
Thanks all.

It's full

Thanks all.

It's full and staying that way. Just in time too....it's been snowing here all day!!!
 
Back
Top