Determining if Engine was Winterized

Nodak7 · Dec 7, 2012

CaptainRich said:
This fall when my '92 Hunter Legend 375 was hauled out for winterizing and winter storage, per usual ... I had our marina do the engine winterizing. I had company from out of town with me, and I couldn't stay after the haulout, so I didn't get to watch the engine winterizing process.

It was a busy, blustery day ... and I've been having nightmares the engine winterizing wasn't done. My question is, is there a way I can tell if by looking at something onboard that it was done? I'm pretty sure the marina did it, but I don't know for sure. Thanks!

Captain,

To check the Engine there are some block drains on the engine that you can open and see whether water or antifreeze come out. Should be a quick check.

For the plumbing just get a straw or tube and put it down the drain until you reach the trap. Plug the end and pull it out. If there is antifreeze then they have been winterized.

For the sumps (shower(s)) check the strainers in the sump pumps. You should see antifreeze in the strainer and discharge.

For the water system disconnect the discharge of your water pump. If there is antifreeze there it was probably winterized. If you have an outside connection make sure you check that.

If you have a wash down pump check the strainer and discharge pipes for antifreeze.

Check you bilge and make sure it is empty or has antifreeze in it.

If you have AC systems check the suction strainer and pump discharge piping.

Good luck!
Nodak

kloudie1 · Dec 7, 2012

Look at the hose that injects water into the mixing elbow.. pull it off.. if there is antifreeze there, it probably got through the engine.. As Nodak says, you probably have a few petcocks on the block where you can look as well.. and the sea water strainer..
EDIT: not really.. just open it and shut it.. Most of the Yanmars have a clear tube discharge froom the petcock, so you'll see antifreeze or water..

Nodak7 · Dec 7, 2012

kloudie1 said:
Look at the hose that injects water into the mixing elbow.. pull it off.. if there is antifreeze there, it probably got through the engine.. As Nodak says, you probably have a few petcocks on the block where you can look as well.. and the sea water strainer..
EDIT: not really.. just open it and shut it.. Most of the Yanmars have a clear tube discharge froom the petcock, so you'll see antifreeze or water..

Thanks Kloudie. I was thinking about the clear tubing as well. There is a petcock on the water and exchanger so you should see antifreeze come from both of them.

kloudie1 · Dec 7, 2012

We don't winterize much down here.. I am doing mine next week.. the job consists of making sure there is enough hot chocolate mix aboard.. and enough of the ingredients for hot buttered rums !!

EDIT: we do actually have to watch when the temperature really goes down.. but normally the bayou water stays fairly warm and by opening all lockers, the warmth from the water can come in.. when it gets really cold, I leave a ceramic heater running at a cold thermostat setting.. In 1989, it got 10F here.. for one night.. No problems on boat..

Nodak7 · Dec 7, 2012

kloudie1 said:
We don't winterize much down here.. I am doing mine next week.. the job consists of making sure there is enough hot chocolate mix aboard.. and enough of the ingredients for hot buttered rums !!

EDIT: we do actually have to watch when the temperature really goes down.. but normally the bayou water stays fairly warm and by opening all lockers, the warmth from the water can come in.. when it gets really cold, I leave a ceramic heater running at a cold thermostat setting.. In 1989, it got 10F here.. for one night.. No problems on boat..

Kloudie, you really know how to rub it in don't you!

This time of the year I am having to live vicariously thru this forum......

I still have quite a while to go before I can even think of launching Wild Oats!!!!