Winter storage

[super01]

Getting the boat ready for winter storage, normally in an insulated garage but this year need to put it in a non-insulated garage, so I am preparing it for cold weather.

I have the 6.0L 390 with freshwater cooling, and the optional drain for raw water. I have emptied the raw water, drained the trans cooler, drained the v-drive, emptied the water strainer and the ballast tanks.

Is there anything I missed that might freeze and cause an issue?

[charlesml3]

You need to stabilize that fuel. I use Sta-Bil but there are others. You want to store the boat with a FULL tank of gas. This reduces the amount of air-space in the tank for condensation to collect. Use the fuel stabilizer according to the manufacturers recommendation and make sure you run the engine long enough for it to get through all of the fuel lines, filters, pumps, etc.

-Charles

[super01]

Thanks Charles

[ZANDERSANTE]

If you have a heater, don't forget to pop the hoses off the block and blow air through the line. The heater core is the first thing to crack.

[Neverenough]

It's been a year since I've had a ZR but don't you drain exhaust manifolds also?

[beach]

If you have freshwater cooling, then the heater core should have coolant in it, not water.

Also, I'd be careful about filling the gas tank completely up. If it's very cold outside when you fill it, then when it gets warmer in the spring the gas could expand and spill out the vent a bit. I think nautique recommends 3/4 full.

[super01]

Good discussion from all, thanks for the feedback. On my ZR6 there is an optional drain system that ties into the exhaust manifolds and heat exchanger, it's a central drain system for the entire raw water side of things. It was a nice upgrade done by the previous owner.