Antifreeze necessary around Athens?

[GarthGregory]

In my Yanmar 4D , I use only a pure antifreeze year round in the closed system side - in the raw intake side ,after lift out , I flush with fresh water and then with pure anti-freeze which I leave in for the winter lay-up . Engines are expensive , a few liters of anti-freeze is cheap . Garth

[noelex 77]

"Pure" antifreeze is not ideal, it needs to mixed with water to achieve the right properties such as adequate heat transferance.

Antifreeze is sometimes sold premixed, which is fine to use, and I suspect is what you have been using. It is an important distinction because often companies sell "Pure" antifreeze and pre-diluted antifreeze in almost the same packaging so it easy to get this wrong.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by GarthGregory

In my Yanmar 4D , I use only a pure antifreeze year round in the closed system side - in the raw intake side ,after lift out , I flush with fresh water and then with pure anti-freeze which I leave in for the winter lay-up . Engines are expensive , a few liters of anti-freeze is cheap . Garth

For optimum protection from freeze as well as boil over the anti freeze mixture is 50% water.

[LongRange]

Thanks everyone. I decided to ask the yard to run some antifreeze through the engine, despite their earlier advice to the contrary. They were happy to oblige, and now I no longer feel like I will need to constantly monitor Athens weather forecasts for signs of an unusually cold winter!

The diesel tank has been filled, stabilizer added to the fuel, filters and impeller replaced, and now the engine is ready to have a little rest during winter.

[noelex 77]

I think that is a sensible move.

Mostly because you now have freshwater instead of saltwater in the raw water side of the engine.

Changing the impeller is also wise, but for future reference do this at the start of the season, if possible. It is something you need to able to do yourself anyway.

Changing engine oil is best done just before winter so the engine has nice new oil with the best corrosion protection over the lay up period. The impeller vanes develop a set and are more likely to crack if the vanes are left in same position for long periods so changing at the start of the season is better in the ideal world.

[TheThunderbird]

Forget freezing

Coolant is needed for its cleaning and anti corrosion properties