So cold weather has hit us early way up North. I have to put the boat away
I went through the winterization procedure last weekend, but I have a couple general questions I hope some may be able to answer (Mercruiser Black Scorpion Engine):
1. I installed a "T" into the water intake so that I could just attach a hose to it, put the other end in a bucket of antifreeze and let it suck through the engine. I also put a shut off valve below this so it would not leak out the bottom of the boat. When I was running the antifreeze through, I first poured some into the hose, attached the hose and put the other end in the bucket. It took a minute or so before the antifreeze began to suck through the engine. Would this be normal? does the engine temp have to get to a certain level before the intake pump starts sucking? When it wasnt sucking well, I turned the engine off, and tried it again. I put the revs up just a tad and it seemed to suck better, but I dont know why. Anyone have an explanation as to how the cooling system works?
2. The manual says the coolant system capacity is about 20 litres. I ran about 12 litres or so before the antifreeze started coming out the back. Should I go back and run at least 20 litres through? (I did empty the water from the block with the 8 plugs first). Why would the antifreeze come out the back if the engine block wasnt full? I read on one site that if the thermostat doesnt open, the antifreeze may not enter all parts of the engine? Can anyone explain this to me? Where is the thermostat on the engine!
3. I used straight antifreeze, but some web sites suggest a 60-40 or 50-50 mix. Does it matter? Is there less "freeze" protection if I use straight antifreeze?
4. Some of you may have seen my other post, but as far as engine prep, I removed the fuel filter, mixed some gas and 2 stroke oil, put it back into the filter and then ran it through the engine.
5. I blew out the ballast lines and put antifreeze in them. Are there any other hoses, or areas that may have trapped water that I have missed?
6. I changed the oil and filter about 3 weeks ago, and thought I would not do it again until spring.
7. I will clean and wax etc. but is there anything anyone else might recommend? I know there are a ton of posts out there, and I think I have searched and read all of them! This will be the first winter with the boat so I am wanting to make sure I get a proper routine down now and for the future.
thanks for anyone's input!