Winterizing Yanmar 2GM20F

[Bob E.]

This is my first winter with an inboard diesel and I'm looking for some advice. I live in Toronto and expect to see some pretty cold weather. The engine has a closed circuit thermostat regulated cooling system with a heat exchanger for the hot water tank and a seperate seawater cooling system. The closed system appears to be similar to an automotive system with antifreeze and an overflow tank. The seawater system uses a conventional mixing elbow and plastic water muffler. To winterize this, I have assumed that the closed system will take care of itself. (OK or bad idea?) For the seawater system, I disconnected the intake hose at the thru-hull, stuck the hose into a jug of nontoxic (-50 C) pink antifreeze, started the engine, and sucked about 5-6 liters through. I saw several good blasts of pink stuff blow out the exhaust. Then I reconnected the intake hose. Is this good enough, or should I do something else? There are drain cocks on the engine, but I don't want to accidentally drain the closed system. What about the engine oil? Should I change it now or do it in the spring when I can start and warm up the engine, or both? Should I add some treatment to the diesel fuel in the tank?Thanks in advance for any advice.Bob EnglandH30G

 

[Stephen Ostrander]

S.O.P.

Everything you did is standard operating procedure. I would reccommend you change the oil in the fall before haul out. The only reason to open the cocks on the engine would be to drain the closed system antifreeze, which should be done every few years. Don't forget to drain and/or put antifreeze in the fresh water system, head, bilge, HW heater, lav drains, scuppers, or anywhere that water can collect.

 

[Dennis]

Pink Stuff

I think there is some debate regarding the use of the pink stuff in the engine. I prefer to use non toxic antifreeze made for engines. The pink stuff may not freeze but will thicken as the temperature drops.

 

[Don Riha]

My routine

The following is my winterization routine. I'm in Michigan.Antifreeze in the engineNew oil and filter, run to spread oilPink stuff in in sea water intakePink stuff in bilge pumpPump out holding tankPink stuff in toilet intakeFill fuel tank and add biocideRemove batteries, electronics, sailsProp up cushionsCover boatCheck that there are no hull distortions from the cradlePray for a mild winter and check it a few times during the winterDrain fresh water and add pink stuff or blow out all linesTape shut air filter intake and exhaust