Danger of one freezing night ?

[SkiTundra]

Our '08 211 is sitting in our driveway but isn't winterized yet*. Tonight it's supposed to drop down to 27 so we'll likely have 7 or 8 hours below freezing. Do I need to rush to do any winterization or will I likely be OK? I'm thinking just empty water from water filter?

* New dealer is going to do it along with hopefully FINALLY fixing all of our electrical problems but I'm waiting on new cover from Brent before hauling it over to them.

Thanks,

[j2nh]

I would stick a trouble light inside the engine compartment and sleep easy. Keep in mind those things can get hot so go with a low wattage bulb and make sure it is not resting on anything. Had a buddy melt the carpet in is boat doing this.

[TRDon]

definately do something. It is so ez to drain the block, but the trouble light is good too. Just make sure something gets done. People might say that it shouldnt be a problem, but if something happens and you didnt take that 10 minutes to do it and it costs you 10K in a new engine and installation, think of how bad you will feel.

[WakeSlayer]

Tundra

I agree on the trouble light w/ a 40w bulb. I really don't think an hour or two at that temp is any risk at all, but better safe than sorry. Even better, grab a 9/16 wrench, a large crescent wrench, and a 5/16" nut driver, and just drain the system. Will only take you 10 minutes.
You could also just go buy a magnetic engine heater, wrap it in blankets, etc.

[DanielC]

Do not laugh. I use Christmas tree lights, and string them around the engine compartment. If one light burns out, the rest keep the engine warm. If you have a heater, you can put a lamp from the Christmas tree light string by the heater core.

Another option is to run the boat for about 15 minutes. You will have to supply water to the raw water pump in the boat, if you do this.

[scuff97]

what about the balast tanks and pumps?

[swc5150]

20 degrees over night will cracked manifolds - naturally a bit colder than 27. I had a a buddy learn the hard way on that one. I love the Christmas tree light idea, just be sure not to use the LED kind:-)

[SkiTundra]

Thanks everyone!

Ballast tanks were emptied last time we were out though there may still be water in the pumps. I assume I could just run them dry off the battery?

I've freed up a bit of time to drain the block. Still need 40w trouble lite?

Thanks again. PN is a great community & resource!

[WakeSlayer]

No light required if you get the water out. There is nothing to freeze. Take off the heater hoses and blow through them too.

The Christmas light plan ahs come up in the last couple years. i think it is brillant. And pretty.

You can just crack the impeller caps and make sure there is no water in them. IIRC they are very accessible in that boat.

[scuff97]

i think it would be cheap insurance

[SkiTundra]

Quick questions (EX343 btw):

I assume the knock sensor is port side (v-drive so engine backwards) about about mid-engine (between sparkplugs 2 & 3) w a single wire coming out? From the block it has threads, app 1" round segment, what seems like 11/16 square (but seems plastic so not sure it can be driven and it's the wrong size). Am I looking at the wrong thing?

On starboard side - how do you get the friggin panels out? The top panel is wedged extremely tight and can't get it to budge. ??

I assume manifolds are the large brass nuts that are nice and easy to get to on the 211?

Thanks All!

[SkiTundra]

Got the knock sensor out OK. Still working on the port side access panels.

[east tx skier]

The water pump housing is thinner than the block and manifolds. Be sure to pull the kill switch and spin the mtpr over to expel the water from the pump housing. Drain the sea strainer, too. .

[swc5150]

Remember too, that a lot of water will come pouring out of an Excal block. I can't quantify a lot, but to be safe, J2 taught me to use a little piece of wire to fish around in the block drains, in case there is some seaweed or debris stuck in there. My first attempt at this provided a considerable amount of additional water out of the engine. I envy the 6.0 owners, who don't have to worry like the rest of us!

[jward]

I envy the guys that just come hop in the boat everytime I go ride.