Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

[Flipside]

I am draining the water from the block and the water is rusty looking. Is this normal? It is raw water cooled EX343, brand new. Should I flush with anitfreeze or something?

[Hollywood]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

I put a sock over my exhaust manifolds when I drain them so much rust comes out.

[DanielC]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

As the water goes through the engine, and out the exhaust, the lowest point in the exhaust manifolds is where the drain plug is. The rust from the entire engine tends to collect there, waiting each year for the plug to be pulled, and make a mess on the carpet.
It is normal. Ideally you will remove the hose from the other end of the exhaust manifold, and flush all the rust flakes out. Poking a coathanger wire in there helps get the rust out. Check the exhaust manifolds bolts for tightness, while you are there.

[Rhino]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

I have a related question - the PCM winterization procedure mentions the use of "PerfectSeal (or equivalent)" on the threads of the drain plugs. Where can you find PerfectSeal, and what are some good equivalents?

[Flipside]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

My engine is new and came from the factory with the threads of the drain plugs havingTeflon tape on the drain plugs. You may want to add this in addition to Perfect Seal. If you can't find PerfectSeal try Loctite 503.

[TRDon]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

I just use teflon past I get at the auto store.

[tadelfio]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

Teflon works fine, nothing else needed

[DanielC]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

Do not put teflon tape the knock sensor. It requires an electrical ground to work.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

jeeze, locktite or teflon tape? I put anti sieze grease (machinists center grease) on mine so I can get them back out next year.

[Flipside]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

Teflon tape came direct from PCM this way. I was just suggesting it because of this. The PCM Owners Manual states that PerfectSeal should be used. An alternative is Loctite 503 (not to be confused with other Loctite brands which will, well, lock tight a bolt).

I assume that you don't really need any of the above, but you run the risk of leaks in your cooling system.

[Rhino]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

I submitted the question to PCM - here is the reply:

You can use regular pipe dope.
Pleasurecraft Marine Service
and Warranty Department
ms

I think I will use the Loctite 503 - thanks, Flipside, for the suggestion.

[AirTool]

RE: Winterizing: Color of Drain Water

If there is a closed cooling system which operates at a higher pressure, I'd be more concerned with thread sealants. For an open cooling system, grease is all you need and might be preferred as mentioned above.