I'm getting ready to do my Merc 8.1s for the first time this Friday. There are little bicycle-type air pumps that I can use to push water out of the raw water side of the heat exchanger. Supposedly, it's so I can use the boat over the winter, and "rewinterize" the engines by simply pumping out the heat exchanger.
Last year, the mechanic that winterized pumped his AF into the system, including filling up the exhaust towers. I'm wondering if this is overkill, or is there a real need to go through all this.
So:
#1. Pump out the air or fill the whole heat exchange with AF?
#2. Fill each exhaust tower with 3+ gallons of AF, or just drain and let sit? (and remember to put the plug in before starting in April?)
#3. Does anyone with inboards stuff things into your exhaust ports to keep critters from making themselves at home there?
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. This will be my first attempt at winterizing. I'm located in Maryland, so Minnesota-type freezes aren't expected.
Thanks!!!
Steve
Last year, the mechanic that winterized pumped his AF into the system, including filling up the exhaust towers. I'm wondering if this is overkill, or is there a real need to go through all this.
So:
#1. Pump out the air or fill the whole heat exchange with AF?
#2. Fill each exhaust tower with 3+ gallons of AF, or just drain and let sit? (and remember to put the plug in before starting in April?)
#3. Does anyone with inboards stuff things into your exhaust ports to keep critters from making themselves at home there?
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. This will be my first attempt at winterizing. I'm located in Maryland, so Minnesota-type freezes aren't expected.
Thanks!!!
Steve