Question Raw Water Winter Layup

[frank7]

Does anyone know how to anti freeze engine raw water cooling system on engine for the winter .
I seem to have , valve cut off, water filter , water pump driven by belt , pipe to large Y pipe which attaches to section of engine and from Y pipe a large pipe to kick water out the stern.

I also have a pipe running from hull to centre of engine section
Could attach drawing

[StuM]

Answer: What sort of engine?

[rbk]

Easiest way is with two large jugs (gallon or more each) ready to go, close your sea cock (valve cut off) open your raw water strainer (water filter, assuming this is a proper engine strainer that opens from the top) and have someone crank the engine while you dump RV anti freeze into the strainer keeping it constantly full as the engine draws it in and until very pink antifreeze spits out your exhaust. Major caveat is depending on your engine and should it start you may not be able to keep up so might be a good idea to shut the fuel off or crack a few injectors or be ready to shut it down. Also have more antifreeze on hand than you think you need. Other option is to pull the hose off your pump intake and fix a length of hose to it and drop it in the jug of antifreeze and follow the same procedure.

[Captain Graham]

Originally Posted by rbk

Easiest way is with two large jugs (gallon or more each) ready to go, close your sea cock (valve cut off) open your raw water strainer (water filter, assuming this is a proper engine strainer that opens from the top) and have someone crank the engine while you dump RV anti freeze into the strainer keeping it constantly full as the engine draws it in and until very pink antifreeze spits out your exhaust. Major caveat is depending on your engine and should it start you may not be able to keep up so might be a good idea to shut the fuel off or crack a few injectors or be ready to shut it down. Also have more antifreeze on hand than you think you need. Other option is to pull the hose off your pump intake and fix a length of hose to it and drop it in the jug of antifreeze and follow the same procedure.

This is very easy to do.
Just make sure you can pour the antifreeze in fast enough to keep the system full.
I just poked an air hole in the antifreeze gallon container so it pours faster.

[skipperpete]

rbk, that’s getting uncomfortably close to a flooded exhaust, never trust an engine to be able to blow out all the water that goes in while dead cranking.

[Mike OReilly]

Is the boat in, or out of the water? If the former, then yes, definitely close the sea water intake. If you’re on the hard, then no need.

RBK has it right. Either pour antifreeze into the strainer, or plumb a hose upstream of the raw water pump and feed it into the antifreeze jug. Either way, run the engine till the antifreeze circulates through the system. You’ll know by monitoring the exhaust outflow. When the antifreeze starts coming out, you’re likely good.

We use a bit less than two gallons for our Perkins 4108.

It only takes about 20 seconds to perhaps a minute of engine run. Make sure to shut the engine off quickly once you see the antifreeze coming out the exhaust. You don’t want to blow it all out.

As a final check, I usually catch the outflow and measure it with a hydrometer to make sure it is of sufficient concentration.

[Wotname]

Hi frank7, it took awhile but it is good to see your first post so a belated welcome aboard CF.

[frank7]

Originally Posted by rbk

Easiest way is with two large jugs (gallon or more each) ready to go, close your sea cock (valve cut off) open your raw water strainer (water filter, assuming this is a proper engine strainer that opens from the top) and have someone crank the engine while you dump RV anti freeze into the strainer keeping it constantly full as the engine draws it in and until very pink antifreeze spits out your exhaust. Major caveat is depending on your engine and should it start you may not be able to keep up so might be a good idea to shut the fuel off or crack a few injectors or be ready to shut it down. Also have more antifreeze on hand than you think you need. Other option is to pull the hose off your pump intake and fix a length of hose to it and drop it in the jug of antifreeze and follow the same procedure.

Really appreciate the feedback .the only piece l did not fully understand … Major caveat is depending on your engine and should it start you may not be able to keep up so might be a good idea to shut the fuel off or crack a few injectors or be ready to shut it down. “
I got it half right , before l asked for info. I shut off value , cranked engine for 15 seconds and cleared our all water

[frank7]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Is the boat in, or out of the water? If the former, then yes, definitely close the sea water intake. If you’re on the hard, then no need.

RBK has it right. Either pour antifreeze into the strainer, or plumb a hose upstream of the raw water pump and feed it into the antifreeze jug. Either way, run the engine till the antifreeze circulates through the system. You’ll know by monitoring the exhaust outflow. When the antifreeze starts coming out, you’re likely good.

We use a bit less than two gallons for our Perkins 4108.

It only takes about 20 seconds to perhaps a minute of engine run. Make sure to shut the engine off quickly once you see the antifreeze coming out the exhaust. You don’t want to blow it all out.

As a final check, I usually catch the outflow and measure it with a hydrometer to make sure it is of sufficient concentration.

Thank you for reply .
Very much appreciated ,

[frank7]

Originally Posted by Wotname

Hi frank7, it took awhile but it is good to see your first post so a belated welcome aboard CF.

Thank you

[frank7]

Originally Posted by StuM

Answer: What sort of engine?

Thank you for reply it’s a 120 hp l believe Merc boat engine , yellow in colour

[frank7]

Originally Posted by frank7

Thank you for reply .
Very much appreciated ,

PS When you say upstream of water pump ( 2nd method) l assume you mean between the belt driven water pump and the cat off valve.
I like that method , as belts and pulleys running very close to your face if pouring into strainer .

[frank7]

Originally Posted by skipperpete

rbk, that’s getting uncomfortably close to a flooded exhaust, never trust an engine to be able to blow out all the water that goes in while dead cranking.

Thank you for reply , yes blowing out water only a silly idea .
You guys have well explained “ how to” and will get on that right away .

[goboatingnow]

It’s simple

I get an ordinary rubber bucket and I fit a right angled tap and hose takeoff

I close the sea cock intake open the strainer and poke a hose fron the bucket tap into the top of the stainer

Start the engine with all water shut off once it fires I regulate the bucket tap to keep the stainer filled not difficult

Once thd bucket is emptied I give the engine 1-2 good Revs to blow out residue

Works for 20 years

For the salt away flush I recirculate the exhaust water but not for the anti freeze

[frank7]

Thanks John,
Sounds a good idea .
One quick question .what do you mean “ shut all water off”
Other than shutting off the vale stock cock below the filter
Is that remark still related to anti freeze engine task or general shut water off etc
Thanks