How to winterize a mercruiser 3.0

[@user-sx4bb4gx8v]

Just did mine. Make sure you are diligent in cleaning out manifold crud. I ended up screwing a wood screw through the crud and the water started to flow out

[@rushchiropracticcenter]

ya. that sediment and crud can block them up good. I think alot of people make the mistake of not being diligent in getting the port flowing

[@Arcturian1111]

Great job. Doing it now. Hope I can get those drain plugs loose. Do you just fill the larger hose with antifreeze or both hoses? FWIW i ran the gas dry to the carb. Im using an electric fuel pump. So basically i started the engine and dis- onnected the positive line to the electric fuel pump and waited for it to stall out from no gas.

[@dadabg8747]

Same here. I hope our tanks aren't metal, if so, we might need to fill them up. Less chance of corrosion from water condensation

[@rushchiropracticcenter]

Ive done this before as well.

[@DutchMotos]

Thanks for the info! Do you also turn the engine over to check if the coolant has ran through the whole engine? And do you also spray fogging oil directly in the spark plug holes?

[@rushchiropracticcenter]

Ive read you can spray directly into plugs. But i have never done it. I’ve also heard fogging it fouls the spark plugs so really your plugs should be changed yearly anyway.

[@WeSellCards]

you cant just use RV Marine antifreeze in the engine. that stuff has alcohol in it, hence its flammable, Its horrible on the seals and gaskets. use Glycol antifreeze to prevent damage to the engine. non flammable and no alcohol

[@rushchiropracticcenter]

Thank you for this info. I had never been told that. I will start using glycol antifreeze. Ive never had any issues when restarting it, however do you recommend draining the antifreeze, before starting if I didn’t use the proper antifreeze this year?

[@WeSellCards]

@rushchiropracticcenter draining it before you start it really does not matter at this point. The corrosion happens as it sits during the winter, the alcohol aids in rust and eats at the seals. I would just put the right stuff in as soon. As you can

[@dadabg8747]

Is that why our motors rust?

[@Beans_Machines]

​@dadabg8747 no your engine rust because of electrolysis especially marine engines the water in the lake or especially the ocean have minerals that react with the metal due the the power running through it that is why your boat has electrodes on the lower units they sacrifice that metal to keep your outdrive or lower unit from corroding!

[@dadabg8747]

@@Beans_Machines cool. I appreciate you. This my first year getting my boat fired up and in the water. So should I be using regular full strength car antifreeze and mix it 60anti/40water in the boat for storage this winter? Or am I fine with fully draining and refilling with Splash or say hell with it all and drain completely and poke around inside the holes and let the motor dry out

[@dadabg8747]

How much antifreeze it took? How many gallons?

[@frankletizia7835]

I did not use my boat at all this year . I did use 360 marine into gas . I did start it up check it out ran ok. Shut it off add 3 ounce more into gas . Ran antifreeze again through motor . Is it ok dump whole 360 stabilizer into gas? Better have more than not enough?

[@rushchiropracticcenter]

I dont think it will hurt anything. But if you didnt run it at all this season, I personally would probably siphon the old gas out next season when you go to run it and use new gas. I believe the marine 360 will keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months. But im not sure if adding more will continue to keep that same fuel fresh for another 12. Hope that helps

[@Eestonya]

How do I de-winterize?

[@rushchiropracticcenter]

Super easy. If you need to do any pre season maintenance do that now. Oil change, impeller change, lubes/oils, gas/water separator if needed, then once all thats done. Hook up your water ears to the outdrive and start her up. Be sure to choke properly. If you have a mercruiser 3.0 that should cover it. But there are plenty of videos on it. Ill make one once i de-winterize mine. Just havent done it yet

[@jimbarnett1277]

Jordan Barnett