4.108 winterizing

[JamesG161]

Ok ok, to help all of you winterization people you can use this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol

This FDA approved, non toxic, and can be used as a food additive

Wow, we've really helped out the winterization of a 4.108 I see....

Just for you @dLj

Jim...

 

[Don Crowther]

My first time winterizing this engine

When you run rv antifreeze through the system do you leave it in or do you open the drain plug on the heat exchanger after

I've used RV waterline antifreeze for the last 15 years without any problems. When on the hard I hook the raw water intake to a 10 liter jug and run the engine until there is pure antifreeze coming out the exhaust. And leave it in there until the spring. In the spring before launch I start the engine with a jug of water hooked up to the intake and run the engine until it runs clear. Hope this helps.

 

[TimFromLI]

I would not use RV antifreeze (alcohol based) in my engine or AC system. You can use the pink stuff but make sure it is the type suitable for engines - propylene glycol. Read the label, make sure it is suitable for engines. I do use RV antifreeze in the water systems.

 

[Dalliance]

My first time winterizing this engine

When you run rv antifreeze through the system do you leave it in or do you open the drain plug on the heat exchanger after

Use the alcohol free propylene glycol antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors and leave it in. It’s formulated for engines. I use it in the head too to protect the pump.

 

[SailingLoto]

Anyone ever bother to read their service manual regarding this topic? I'm a marine mechanic by profession. While I'm not familiar with each and every one of these little diesels in sailboats, I winterize hundreds of i/o and inboard engines a year.

If closed cooled, BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR ANTIFREEZE! not at the reservoir, but loosen a hose in the system, crack a cap on the heat exchanger and dribble enough out to test.

Open or closed cooling, remove any drain plugs on the engine, exhaust, block.
Turn off sea cock and drain strainer.
Put a hose on the sea cock, blow through it and shut off the valve while blowing. This traps a small bubble of air in the thru hull.
Crank engine to clear the pump.
Take inlet hose from pump to a gallon of quality pink -50 propylene glycol (not the Walmart crap, good stuff with corrosion inhibitors, -100 if you climate deams necessary)
Start engine, watch for antifreeze to come out of all drains until it comes out of muffler drain or exhaust outlet. Let antifreeze drain out, reinstall plugs. Put hose back on seacock.
Voila, your boat is winterized.

That beings said, properly drained, most engines are fine without the antifreeze flush, but it is cheap insurance. 99% of engines can be done on 1 gallon. I don't care if it's a 8hp yanmar or an 8.2litre mercruiser. 2 gallons will do an 11 litre cummins.

Ethylene Glycol is illegal for use where I'm at. While it does its job, it's very toxic. Don't put that in the waterways.

When in doubt, read your manual. If you doubt yourself, hire a professional. At least it's their ass, not yours if it freezes and breaks.