Quick winterizing question...

[billh1963]

I'll be getting my "new to me" CC25 delivered this weekend. The engine is raw water cooled and I will not have a chance to install a Groco washdown fitting on the raw water seacock for a few weeks.

I would like to run some antifreeze through it and was wondering if I use a "fake-a-lake" to supply water will the engines impeller be strong enough to pull water/antifreeze mix from a 5-gallon bucket?

I was thinking of cutting off an old hose to attach to the "fake-a-lake" and I was hoping the engine could pull the mixture from the bucket through the hose.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[lrc]

flushing

billh1963,

I flush mine on my boat lift out of the water. I have the Groco fitting but I don't use water pressure to flush. I feared overpowering the impeller. I use a hose off the Groco and let it pull the water from a 5 gallon resevoir. It has worked like a champ for 2 seasons.

I believe it will work just fine for you.

LRC

[billh1963]

Thanks, LRC. It sounds like the impeller will probably be strong enough to pull the water from a bucket. That will make life easier!

Next question is should I use regular anti-freeze or is there an environmentally friendly type out there?

Thanks!

[Split Decision]

I just pull the hose off the through hull and stick it in a bucket. Works like a charm.

[Split Decision]

Next question is should I use regular anti-freeze or is there an environmentally friendly type out there?

Thanks!

Use the pink stuff

[billh1963]

What pink stuff?....After coming from the land of outboards and large inboard closed system diesels (using keel coolers) I'm clueless!

What is the name brand and where can I find it?

Thanks!

[Stuart Wade]

Bill:

Go to an RV store or West marine or someplace & get fresh water tank antifreeze (the pink stuff). That's non toxic & harmless to the environment.

Stu

[billh1963]

Thanks, guys!

[Bullish]

or go to any walmart.

[billh1963]

As much as I dislike Walmart that's where I'll probably go!

[capttom1]

winterization

Hi billh,
I have a 1996 25CC (purchased new) and the first year I cut in a brass tee into the raw water pick-up with a valved outlet off the (bull) center of the tee. On this valved outlet I have a quick disconnect fitting. Ever time I come in from fishing off Manasquan NJ I flush out the engine and I also use this connection to winterize the engine. I purchased one of the winterizing kits from West Marine and mix up a 50/50 solution. It only takes me about 5 minutes to perform the whole procedure. I watch the liquid level in the tank and as it gets near the bottom I shoot the carb with some oil and I’m finished.
Tom T (capttom1)

[Bullish]

I like the idea of flushing the system of salt everytime you use the boat...or at least every once in a while during the season. Is your boat freshwater cooled and have you avoided problems with your cooling system as a result of your preventative maintanence? Still using the original heat exchangers, etc?

I'm sure your boat is wrapped up for winter but would love to see a pic sometime of the valve you put in.

[capttom1]

flush tee

HI Bullish,
Yea I almost always flush down the system after each trip. It’s easy and cheap ($25) to install the flush tee. I’ll send you a picture once I take the plastic off the boat. I have a fresh water system but it still helps with the ells. I’ve only replaced the ells one time in the ten years but did have to do a top end job two years ago when I had two frozen valves.
Tom T

[PurpleCedarPlug]

When I winterize the boat I use the following:

Engines: (Ethylene Glycol) which is the 50/50 antifreeze

All Water Systems: ie live well, washdown, sinks, fish boxes: (Propylene Glycol) The Pink Stuff.

[Bullish]

Capt. Tom,

Thanks for offering to take a pic for me in the Spring. That will be very helpful! The tee certainly sounds like a worthy enhancement.

Jason