avoiding winterizing

(jnewton7) · (jnewton7) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 11-15-2005, 9:02 AM

Well ive screwed around and cold weather is here, temps are threatning to dip below freezing and I haven't winterized yet. I have heard that you can use shop lights to keep the engine warm. Any quick fix suggestions?

(rodmcinnis) · (rodmcinnis) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 11-15-2005, 9:40 AM

Why not winterize now?

The light bulb trick has a few disadvantages.

1) it draws power 24/7, which can add up.
2) When (not if, when) the light bulb fails, so does your protection.
3) If a blizzard causes power to go out you lose your protection, right when you needed it the most.
4) The light bulb can actually create a fire hazard.

If you need to do something tonight then put a low wattage bulb (40 or 60) in the engine compartment, making sure that the bulb is not close to anything. But plan on winterizing this weekend.

(ladythump) · (ladythump) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 11-15-2005, 9:49 AM

if you keep your boat in a garage, it needs at least a week of freezing temperatures to affect the boat temp in the garage (attached garage)

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 11-15-2005, 10:22 AM

or find a job further south

. It was 90 degrees and sunny last sat. in Houston. Tell me more about these blizzards?

(depoint50ae) · (depoint50ae) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 11-15-2005, 10:32 AM

Yeah the mild fall temp are gone now. Last saturday it was 85. Tonight it is gonna get down to the low 20's and w/ wind chill it will be in the single digits in Oklahoma City. Burrrr

(msasser) · (msasser) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 11-15-2005, 12:17 PM

Is winterizing even needed if you are in houston?

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 11-15-2005, 12:48 PM

Mike, in the past 6 years I've owned a boat, I've never winterized. I don't know anyone that does.

(robie) · (robie) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 11-15-2005, 2:01 PM

Adam,

Are you toying with my emotions. I hear it is suppose to get down to 32 tomorrow night. Should I not worry about it or should I go pull my plugs?

(kybool) · (kybool) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 11-15-2005, 2:10 PM

you should be fine, it takes a couple days straight of under 32 degree weather to do anything. I had a few weeks where my boat was outside when temps dropped to around 18 degrees at night, it warmed back up into the sixties during the day and I had absolutely no problems. I do occasionally use a shop light as well, until the boat is gone at least.

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 11-15-2005, 2:30 PM

Andrew, exactly what scott said...this is just a cold snap. In addition to that I keep my boat in covered storage. your a little further north than me, but nothin to worry about. Remember you engine is protected form the elements....it's not exposed to much if any wind chill.

(jon_a) · (jon_a) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 11-15-2005, 2:37 PM

Jeff,

If you have time, bring your boat up to my shop (in Malvern) tomorrow and I can winterize it while you are here. I'd be willing to meet you somewhere and do a simple winterization as well. If you can't do that, shoot me an email and I'll try to help you out on what to do. diamondlakesws@yahoo.com

(Message edited by Jon A on November 15, 2005)

(robie) · (robie) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 11-15-2005, 2:40 PM

Thanks Scott and Adam,

My boat is in storage and covered from most wind/rain but not inside. If for some reason it gets cold for a good bit, what could I do to be on the side of caution?

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 11-15-2005, 3:11 PM

not joking when I say this...throw a blanket over the engine.....

(travis_m) · (travis_m) **Join Date: Aug 2005** 11-16-2005, 10:43 PM

What is winterization? I dont know if you need that in SoCal. When does it get cold here?

(mobv) · (mobv) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 11-17-2005, 9:20 AM

Winterization is more than just freeze protection. If the engine is going to set for several months (3-4) the fuel should have stabilizer (run throughout the fuel system) and the cylinders should be "fogged" to prevent rust and the resulting excessive wear on restart.

(monboarder) · (monboarder) **Join Date: Aug 2001** 11-17-2005, 9:38 AM

If I've drained the water out, but haven't run antifreeze through it yet, am I okay until the weekend? Usually, I get the whole thing done, but had a slight interruption this year.

(mossy44) · (mossy44) **Join Date: Oct 2001** 11-17-2005, 12:10 PM

i know how to do the antifreeze, and change the oil.

how do you "fog" the cylinders and how do you drain the water out? i have seen people say it on here plenty of times, but for a engine smarts deprived person like myself, anywhere i can read up on that? or can anyone tell me?

thanks.

(michale) · (michale) **Join Date: May 2004** 11-17-2005, 12:24 PM

We ride all year round.so i dont have to winterize everytime i use this, http://doityourself.com/store/6836589.htm

i just wrap it around the block with a few zip ties. The heat alone in the engine compartment will keep it from freezing.

lilredrider 11-20-2005, 10:07 PM

I am using a bathroom heater, u know one of those little portable ones. I rode yesterday.