Heater Core Freezing

[Nauti-by-Nature]

Does anyone know how cold the ambient temperature would have to be and for how long to freeze the water in a heater core? It looks like a cold front is going to blow through tonight and my boat is dewinterized and sitting covered outside right now. I know it doesn't take much for water in those tubes to freeze and wondering if I should take some preventative measures.

[robertsmcfarland]

you can never bet enough on a winning horse, with that said,I dont think its getting that cold, low 30.. my experience.. would have to be sustain low temp below 32 for hours , which I dont think will happen. heater core inside boat which is insulated nicely.. my 2 cents

[Nautiquehunter]

If its cold enough to freeze water you are at risk. If its windy you are at greater risk . It takes only a few minutes to drain the block ,manifolds and heater. I use a wet vac to suck out the water from the heater core.

[Zach@n3]

Run it up to operating temperature on the hose and make sure the T stat opens. I about bet you the block will still be somewhat warm to the touch in the morning.

[SilentSeven]

The core would likely be the first thing to freeze - it's a heat exchanger. Can you put an incandescent light bulb - like a 100 watter or something - in the foward area of the boat and put the cover on? You just need a little local heat to offset the freeze.

[Nauti-by-Nature]

Great feedback as always, guys. I think I'm going to at least throw a trouble light in the compartment where the heater core is located to be safe.

[AirTool]

I often leave a bottle of water in my boat place next to the engine compartment. I've not seen it freeze yet. The boat is inside a building with corrugated metal skin and lots of places the wind gets through.

On one occasion, I placed a water bottle and an topples cup of water next to each other on the floor next to the engine. When I arrived in the morning, about 3/8" to 1/2" of an inch of water was frozen at the top of the cup. I measured the temperature of the water in the bottle and it was still mid 30's.

IIRC, we had been cold for several days but above freezing in the afternoon. That night was mid 20's.

[ddipert]

Shop light will work. Doesn't take much to keep a compartment from freezing. I keep 2 "golden rods" (made for a gun safe to keep moisture off guns) in my engine bay right now while the weather changing as much as it is. We are located on Hyco so our weather is a little cooler than Clayton.

[Nauti-by-Nature]

Yep I'm sure that worked fine. Btw I'll be on Hyco lake May 15-18 in a black 2011 210 with silver stripe. If any of you guys see me feel free to flag me down and say hi....or if you want a pull