Boat Help

[dkff49]

I have had my boat for 3 years now and the closest dealer that I could get to service my boat closed it's doors. I have been considering buying a maintence manual and was looking at this one  http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=87690&pdesc=Seloc_Marine_Engine_Maintenance_Repair_Manuals_Mericruiser_All_Stern_Drive_Gas_Engines_1964_1991&cname=Repair-Manuals&aID=601L12&merchID=1009&r=view. Most likely I will be buying it since the boat is pretty old and many of the repairs that a boat needs is fairly simple to do for anyone who has even a little mechanical ability.

My question is though do these repair books have winterizing instructions as well? If not can someone point me to one that does?


Thanks

[68ZooM]

Yes most Matanance Manuals have a winterizing section, Winterizing your boat is really simple, Depending on your cooling system on your Boat.. Mines a Inboard V-Drive, Raw water cooled.  To winterize mine i just open the Engine Block Valves Drain the water out of the Block, Use alittle compressed air to make sure the block and exhaust manifolds are clear of water, then I'll remove the inspection plate on the raw Water Pump spray a good amount of WD-40 all over and around the Impeller cover that back up, Grease all the Zert fittings ( Steering, linkages) Armor-all the interior real good, and depending on how you feel i will fill my fuel tank to the top to pervent condensation over the winter, disconnect the batteries then i cover it up wait till winters over.

Beginning of the season just close the Valves, respray the impeller , change oil and fuel filters and go play on the water

[Shuffler]

In Texas we go fishing in the winter..... we skip both cool days though. BTW the 2 cool days happen in early February.

[dkff49]

In Texas we go fishing in the winter..... we skip both cool days though. BTW the 2 cool days happen in early February.

You are indeed fortunate but here in PA I would need to purchase an ice breaker to get the boat across the water in winter.    hmmmmmmmmmm there is an idea, don't tell my wife.

[Barrett]

You can find lots os good info here: http://www.boatered.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=21
Winterizing a boat is pretty simple but if you can find instructions for your specific boat/engine so much the better.

Feel free to pm me if you need any help...

[rabbidrabbit]

Which engine do you have?

[BigPlay]

I would hunt down Cap, he can work on anything.  

[Captfish]

Overtons are fine. I have used them in the past. I am not positive but it should have a winterizing section. What engine is it?

[dkff49]

Overtons are fine. I have used them in the past. I am not positive but it should have a winterizing section. What engine is it?

3.7 mercruiser  I/O

[RipChord929]

Hell, boating season is just getting in gear for me!!!  Wind has changed to the NW, rain has started, rivers are rising, salmon and steelies are just startin to surge... $$$$ season for me too, have a charter this weekend!!!
The rotton part, is having to keep the sled heated until the winter is over... Hell on my electric bill!!!!

My youngest son is a Merc certified marine tech.. He just told me Overtons will have what ya need!!!

RC

[Captfish]

cool, yeah will be very easy to do.  

I would also start by running and fogging the engine. remove the air cleaner, while running at an idle spray into the carb marine engine fogging oil do not stall engine. You want to do this until you completely use up one can of spray, just before the can is empty spray and choke out the engine till it stalls. This will protect all of the internal components from corrosion. Drain any water lines to the heat exchanger, oil cooler (if installed) by disconnecting them.

[rpm]

I had a boat with a 3.7 Mercuiser I/O. Mine had a drain valve on the side of the block and a plug on the lower unit.

[dkff49]

cool, yeah will be very easy to do.  

I would also start by running and fogging the engine. remove the air cleaner, while running at an idle spray into the carb marine engine fogging oil do not stall engine. You want to do this until you completely use up one can of spray, just before the can is empty spray and choke out the engine till it stalls. This will protect all of the internal components from corrosion. Drain any water lines to the heat exchanger, oil cooler (if installed) by disconnecting them.

So what your saying is I need to no special tools and no antifreeze?

[Shuffler]

So what your saying is I need to no special tools and no antifreeze?

Wouldn't hurt to pump antifreeze into it before draining. Some engines are notoriuos for holding pockets of water. I've seen a 350 crack under the heads from a freeze... the owner said he'd drained it and pulled the bottom hose to be sure.

[Kuhn]

Before listening to all the great responses, you would be better looking up the procedure for winterizing your I/O on a good website about boats. The other option would be to just ask a certified boat engine mechanic about the procedure. Most will tell you what you need to know over the phone. Things are quite different depending on the year your engine was manufactured.
Please don't FOG your Merc. I was told by a very good source that that is NOT a good thing for the carb and it will catch up to you in the long run. Seafoam is still the best for preservation of your fuel and cleaning of you Mercs innards.
If you like you can contact me through my website and I will let you know who to contact in your area.
www.CoverSmart.biz