[C320-list] a/c winterizing

[warren updike]

Can't help on the A/C.  

After several years struggling with the engine antifreeze, I installed an
auto type radiator hose bypass in the coolant line. Now, I just attach a
short hose to it, put the hose in a bucket of antifreeze, open the thru-hull
to let water purge the air in the hose, close the thru-hull and start the
engine. Bada-bing, bada-boom, job done.

I also dilute the antifreeze 50/50. I'm not worried about below zero
temperatures here in Maryland.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay




-----Original Message-----
From: Jamie Pett [mailto:JPett at JP2ARCHITECTS.COM] 
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 10:19 PM
To: C320-list at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] a/c winterizing

Dreading the prospect of winter, I am nevertheless facing the task of
getting Bella Luna ready for the hard after our first amazing season with
her. 
 
I have a copy of Carl's very nice article on winterizing the c-320.  It has
been very helpful and I am working my way through winterizing - got the
water system done last weekend.  The tips on draining the hw heater by
releasing the pressure valve were very useful (amazed at how much water was
still in there), but his paper does not say anything about winterizing a
reverse cycle a/c heat unit.  
 
I thought I would simply close the thru-hull intake, open the strainer, and
add pink stuff with the unit running until it comes out the outlet - can
anyone add suggestions ? 
 
I also read somewhere that if you put the unit on fan only the compressor
won't run, but don't know why that matters ?  Do I need to do anything else
with the A/c compressor ? (or the Alder Barbour fridge?)
 
Also, on the engine - what is the best method for getting the pink stuff
into the system  - my strainer for the engine is inverted, so I guess I can
pull the intake hose and use it to pulll the antifreeze, but it seems awful
short to try to suck pink stuff out of a gallon jug , and switching jugs
mid-job seems difficult as well ? Any suggestions ? 
 
Jamie Pett
'Bella Luna' #614