Winterising Yanmar 2 cylinder

[Captainron1]

I am about to winterize my Yanmar Diesel (in my 1979 30' O'day) for the first time. I would appreciate any tips to to make sure it is all ready for the -20+ it will get up here in Canada. Also tips on getting the rest of the boat ready, or where I can find this info would be most appreciated.
Many Thanks
Captain Ron

 

[Caboteur]

Hi,

Only -20ºC at Port Elgin? Boy are you lucky; we usually get a week of -30ºC and a night or two at -40ºC/F.

Is your engine raw-water cooled or does it have a closed loop with a heat exchanger? Is your Yanmar a 2QM or a more recent 2GM; they are very different engines and have different requirements.

It's still warm now but will get nasty soon enough. Mine is already under it's winter tarp and all fully winterised.

For the rest of the boat, empty the water tank(s) and the septic tank. Empty and disconnect the water heater, making a by-pass with the in and out tubes. Run some RV or plumbing antifreeze in the tubing from the water tanks to the pressure pump to the faucets and shower heads. Run some From the water intake through the head and into the septic tank. Don't forget to also do the shower sump, the electric and manual bilge pumps. Also do the fridge drain and the foredeck washdown. Anything you forget will be broken come springtime.

Once we know more about your engine we'll be able to dwell a little on this.

For your first time you may want to have the yard where you leave your boat do it for you, write a procedure sheet as they go along and watch everything.

This is all part of the fun of sailing.

Pierre

 

[Captainron1]

Winterising Yanmar

Hi Pierre, well maybe I am being hopeful about the -20C) I will check to see if my yanmar is a a 2QM or a more recent 2GM; I had the idea of just hooking a hose to the water pump which is at the front of the motor lower left side, and running antifreeze through the motor and out the exhaust end. then to drain everything and pray a lot this winter. Hopefully winter will not start until Dec. Appreciate your help and reply.
Ron

 

[Caboteur]

Hello again,

Here it is in a nutshell: if your engine is raw-water cooled, you will be putting engine antifreeze in it. It is easier to pull the hose off the through-hull and get the antifreeze in your intake filter at the same time. If your engine has a heat exchanger, you will be putting RV or plumbing antifreeze, again from the through-hull.

If your engine is a 2QM it is a sleeve engine... It doesn't have full cast iron block it has wet cylinder sleeves! It will take more antifreeze if raw-water cooled. If it has a heat exchanger, check that the antifreeze in the cooling system is capable of withstanding the coldest expected temperature in your area. A cracked 2QM is never the same... I know I once bought a cracked 3QM and could never find a new block on the market.

Pierre