another winterize question

[target54]

This is my first time winterizing my 94SN so please bare with me...

I want to drain the block and manafolds and then re-plug them and pull antifreeze in thru the raw water inlet. I assume I want to have the pink stuff start dumping out the exhaust as I fog out my engine. Of course, I plan to change the transmission fluid and oil first but do I have order correct? Am I supposed to keep the antifreeze in the block and manifild or should I re-open the plugs to allow it to drain once I am done? I've heard of people doing it both ways - which is better? I am in Ohio so a hard freeeze is probable.

One other question - my Pito tubes? Do I have to remove my dash to blow air thru the tubes to keep them from bursting?

Thanks,
Dave

[NAUTI84]

Doing mine this weekend. Here's what I do each year:
Change oil. (Warmed it up last weekend and let it drain all week).
Fill tank. Add stabilizer & dry gas.
New Oil & Filter.
Start it up - run for about 5-10 minutes.
Fog w/ Mystery oil thru carb.
Shut down, Pull plugs, Mystery oild squirt in ea. cyl. Plugs/wires left loose.
Drain block, Drain Manifolds. Coat hanger in holes to remove rust flakes.
Drain plugs reinstalled. Leave exhaust tubes loose.
AntiFreeze thru funnel @ intake until it starts to dribble out manifolds.
Pull tube off speedo's & at rear of boat.
Plastic bag over carb. Plastic bag over exhaust flaps.
Prop up all seats & engine cover.
Leave a dehumidifier tub in bilge to asorb condensation.
Cover.
Kiss her good night for a long winter's nap.

[skinautique]

you have a total of 5 plugs to pull out, a trans cooler to drain, and a water strainer to empty. There is nothing wrong with leaving the antifreeze in the engine. Do make sure that you don't leave the antifreeze in the water strainer bowl if you pull the antifreeze from the water inlet hose. Fog the engine (don't spend all of the time pulling the plugs, etc. That only opens you up for errors such as forgetting to put them all the way back in and/or crossing up plug wires, etc). You can also back off each drain plug after you ran your antifreeze to make sure that it made its way into every part of the engine.

[bradb]

I feel a bit silly admiting this, but I thought some of you might get a kick out of it (or some of you might avoid doing the same thing!). I was winterizing the boat last winter (4th winter with my '94 nautique) and as always I was following the directions from my dealer about spraying fogging oil into the cylinders. I was doing fine, until the plastic nozzle on the spray can popped off, and went straight down the cylinder! I spent the next hour fishing it back out, but finally got it! Lesson learned: if you are going to fog the cylinders always hold on to the plastic nozzle!
B

[skinautique]

Just fog into the TBI on the 94 or the carb if that is what you have and you are all set. No need to mess with removing plugs and things like that.

[SWCC-PART-MAN]

for you guys worrying about fogging the cylinders, there is a product out by star*brite that is a stabilizer and a fogger in one. we sell it here at SWCC for about $10. you put it into the tank, run it till warm and your done as far as "pickeling the fuel" and fogging goes. i would start with the changing the fluids first, stabilize, run, drain then antifreeze. but thats just how i've done'em for years. its an old habit now.

[gatorgates]

I usually suck antifreeze into the engine (2003 excalibur 330) from the water intake hose. I happened to notice a sticker on the filter screen bowl that said something like "do not use alcohol". What does this mean to me? Doesn't antifreeze contain alcohol? Once I sucked enough antifreeze in, I removed the bowl and rinsed it out. Does this solve the problem?

[josh]

I know about the five plugs but how do I drain the trans cooler?

[skinautique]

pull the hose on the end of the trans cooler and it will drain. I usually pull the hose closest to the impeller.

Gatorgates, if you empty out the strainer bowl you are fine. If you are really worried about it, wash it with a little soap.

[josh]

if I run it full of anti freeze is there a need to drain the cooler? I don't remember them doing that at the dealership last year.

[skinautique]

It is extra security. The more water you get out, the less you have to worry about.

[darrel409]

gatorgates, they just dont want you drinking and working on your boat. friends dont let friends wrench drunk.