Blowing out engine for winterizing

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Feb 9, 2011
70
Catalina 27 Forked River NJ
Up here in the NE we blow out our irrigation systems and swimming pool lines for the winter. Is it possible or has anyone blew out the cooling side of their engine for winter storage.
I normally use the -50 Antifreeze, but I was thinking why not remove the impeller, hook up a air compressor to the suction line and blow all the water out of the engine.
Seems to me like it should work.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
 

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Blowing out a cast iron engine is the BEST way to develop destructive 'red' (ferric) rust. The high humidity and moist air is a better way to destroy the 'protective' ferrous (black) rust that normally develops on cast iron.
This is why large commercial and Navy ships dont even shut down their engines.

Fill it with antifreeze with rust inhibiters so that it more slowly turns the protective 'black' rust to destructive 'red' rust.
 
Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
....and for a few bucks more and much greater margin of safety, use the purple -100 deg antifreeze in the raw water side of the engine.
 
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