Winterizing the deisel

[Bill Babbitt]

I am about to put the C-310 up for the winter and am wondering what would be the best way to leave the engine oil. As I see it the options are:1) Leave the oil as is and change it in the spring. Will the contaminants in the old oil damage engine surfaces?2) Change the oil now, and again in the spring as it will have been exposed to the air for several months which will affect the viscosity.3) Drain the old oil now, leaving the pan empty over the winter and install fresh oil in the spring.Any thoughts on this will be appreciated.

 

[Pete]

Oil Change

Bill, Its best to change the oil/filter at the end of the season. Contaminates in the old oil will start to damage the engine if left in over the winter.

 

[Jerry Schrock]

Engine winterizing

The best is to drain the oil to remove the conatminates built up in the oil, change the filter, and completely fill the engine with fresh oil (to cover the heads). Drain all the oil in the spring as the oil will have absorbed moisture during the winter months. Add new oil and filter. Don't forget to add fuel stabilizer to avoid varnish build up in the carb.This is the standard practice for all engines being left over the winter. The purpose is to avoid acid or moisture to make contact with metal surfaces which will cause corrosion. Also, the batteries need to be removed and charged once a month. Do not set them on a concrete garage floor.

 

[Tom Soko]

Change it now

Bill,The general consensus is to change the oil in the fall to remove contaminants before layup. You might want to check out the C36 website for a checklist for winterization. It might be somewhat different for you boat, but this is the best list many people have ever seen. Good Luck.Tom SokoJulandra C36 #659

 

[D.St.Denis]

The life off a diesel engine is its oil.Change it often and allways the filter.If you areWinterizing your engine this will not helpread your spec's again the oil used is not thesame.Rememeber to pull the valve cover and give everything a good lube coat.Do the same when but back in to service.