[C320-list] Engine Muffler Winterizing

[Myron Welch]

I use a slightly easier method to winterize the muffler that seems to  
work well for me.  While the boat is on the cradle and before it is  
backed into the storage building, I insert a 2 foot clear plastic tube  
into the engine raw water intake.  I have someone hold up a bucket  
filled with 2 gallons of antifreeze and I run the engine until the  
bucket is empty.  This also leaves antifreeze in the strainer.  I  
found the correct diameter hose at the local hardware store.  If the  
antifreeze will not pull easily from the bucket, it is a nice warning  
that the impeller needs changing.

Myron Welch
Wind Instrument #238
Iowa City, Iowa


On Sep 8, 2009, at 10:45 AM, Scott Thompson wrote:

> I use a hybrid of these methods which I think is easier than either of
> the methods described below:  I use the automotive flush connector  
> and a
> short hose -- same as Warren.  But instead of a bucket, I use a  
> funnel,
> like Jim.  Also, by running the hose through the portlight into the
> cockpit I can do this while watching the color of the exhaust water
> myself.  You need a bit longer section of garden hose for that.
>
> On my boat I found it very difficult to disconnect the intake hose  
> from
> the thru-hull because the run to the strainer is so short.  Plus the
> hose is stiff and you have to deal with hose clamps.  The flush
> connection is much easier.
>
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, 653
>
> Jim Sweet wrote:
>> easier way to do it is to just drain the muffler (unscrew the petcock
>> and drain it into the bilge then close the petcock), disconnect the  
>> raw
>> water input line from the thruhull, put a funnel in the line and  
>> pour in
>> a gallon or so of pink antifreeze with the engine running until the
>> exhaust "water" is the pink stuff.  Been doing it for 8 years in  
>> upstate
>> NY where the winter temps get down well below zero.
>>
>> Jim Sweet
>> TGIF (Thank God It Floats) 901
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com 
>> >
>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 8:06 AM
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Engine Muffler Winterizing
>>
>>
>> Amanda Lu, after wrestling with this for three years, I finally cut  
>> the
>> hose
>> at a convenient place and inserted an automotive flush connection.  
>> You can
>> buy these at any auto store. It has a screw-on cap with the same  
>> threads as
>> a garden hose. I have a short section of hose I attach to this  
>> connection
>> and stick in a bucket of antifreeze (not the same stuff used for the
>> potable
>> water system.)  It only takes about one minute of engine time for the
>> bucket
>> to empty. I have someone outside to insure that the color is  
>> showing at the
>> exhaust. Makes the job a no-brainer.
>>
>> Warren & Pattie Updike
>> Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
>> Middle River, Chesapeake Bay
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Mike Ott [mailto:wmo48 at yahoo.com]
>> Sent: Monday, September 07, 2009 10:11 AM
>> To: Catalina 320 Association
>> Subject: [C320-list] Engine Muffler Winterizing
>>
>> Does anyone have any tips on winterizing the engine raw water  
>> muffler ?
>> What about the exhaust lines ? Raw water feed to the engine ?
>> Thanks in advance,
>> Mike
>> "Amanda Lu"
>> #508
>>
>>
>
> -- 
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, #653