Do you have a power steering cooler?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Yes I do.

@kristoffscuba5466

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka Do you need to pull off the hose going to the PS cooler to make sure there is no water in it? I have to do this in my 4.3, but my layout looks slightly different to yours.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

@@kristoffscuba5466 oh, I a actually do not have a cooler for it. Sorry. I guess if I were you. I would just pull the lowest hose off and let it drain

@kristoffscuba5466

4 жыл бұрын

​@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka Ok thanks for the reply. My power steering cooler is on the right side of the motor (as you look at the motor sat in the boat facing towards the motor), under the port side exhaust riser. I just pull the hose off it and pour some antifreeze in there. Just wanted to flag this point up incase people follow your (excellent) instructions but also have a raw water power steering cooler fitted to their boat. Thanks for the video.

@kristoffscuba5466

4 жыл бұрын

I was working on a friends boat this weekend and his newer 4.3 mercruiser has the power steering cooler mounted up high behind the engine, almost above the boats steering arm, plumed in line with the same hose run that goes from the thermostat housing to the out drive. In that position, pouring antifreeze though the hose that flows back though to the outdrive impeller (like you do in this video) also flushes the power steering cooler at the same time. Your engine might also have this. If so, you've successfully flushed it without realising. All good :)

Thank you sir for this video... along with the one about where to find the 5 drain plugs on the block. Am a new boat owner and used your step by step video to winterize my engine (and clean out all the storage, cushions, etc...). Great stuff!

I can't believe i've paid for YEARS for somebody else to do this. What a great video. Thanks

Thanks I’ve got a 4.3 and plan to winterize in a month or so. I did recently install a bilge compartment heater hoping to add some time before I need to fully winterize. Maybe, just maybe, I can take it out a couple more times this year! Really appreciate the detailed info on this process.

One of the Best, if Not The Best Video I've Seen on Winterizing the 4.3 Mercruiser. Got the Same Boat, Same Motor..... I Like How You Talk about something in Detail and then Show the Process....

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words. It really means a lot

Well done. Thanks for your time and effort pitting these videos together.

I live in Perth Australia where we don't have this problem of having to winterize your boat, but I kept watching because you explain things very well,

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I read this comment to my gf. It is very nice to hear this

Thank you for the video. Just did mine today from this video. Sweat and all (no siren)! 90 today in Montana.

Great info for a new 4.3 boat owner. Thanks!

Hey man, I just bought a bowrider last year, winterized it for the first time this winter and your videos have been extremely helpful. I really appreciate your work!! heres a subscribe and a thumbs up for ya

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Hey, thank you so much. I hope the videos help.

2021, just winterized my boat using your method. Since 2012 when I bought our new four winns 180SS I've been paying yo winterize and unwinterize every year... never ever again! This was so simple. I said over 200 bucks! Thanks!!!!

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you are saving money

@tkub77

Жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka its that time of year again, I'm back to watch your video to familiarize myself with winterizing my boat! Thanks again so much for this video!

awesome video man, thank you for doing it, very helpful for my used boat we just got

Thanks for these videos man! Just bought a bow rider yesterday and never had an in board before. This video definitely clarified a lot for me. Thanks

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Good luck. I hope everything works great

@johnsnow5167

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Boats thanks! Are they all fairly similar ? Mine is a 1990 merc 4.3. I also noticed when I had the boat running a hose on the right side was dripping water. Just tighten it up or should I get a new hose? I wanna say it wS the bottom hose

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Just tighten it. It happens. If it is cracked replace it.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Our motors are very similar

@johnsnow5167

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Boats thanks so Much! I subscribed and will check out more is your vids. Really appreciate it. 👍👍

i use a cheap inline water pump from walmart (manual or eletric type works), and a 5gal bucket as the coolant reservoir, to hook up into the engines main water ports. Flowing circulation is more thorough to reach all of the block/head's maze of water jackets.

Nice video - I am also in MN and winterized my 192 Rinker on the same humid MN day!

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Lol. It was pretty warm and humid. I'm in eden prairie. Where are you located?

@littleredtractor1126

4 жыл бұрын

Mankato

Thank you!! Great video

Great video! I got a bayliner F18 and it's exactly the same engine and engine compartment. Marina wanted to charge me $800 to winterize it! I changed oil, lower end oil, gas filter and winterize the boat. Thank you!

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Nice work!

I love your videos

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Carson

Fogging is an issue of time and climate. If you store it outside in a damp climate, condensation can cause rust on valve stems over the winter storage period. That can cause rough idle or miss when you start up in spring. If you store indoors in a dry storage area then yes its not that necessary.

thanks buddy verry useful loll from Canada where it gets colddddddd

Ok about winterizing with antifreeze.... You're right do NOT use the suck up AF via the ear muffs on the drive, because if the thermostat does not open, it will just fill the exhaust manifolds, run out the exhaust and the block/heads will still have water in them. Drain manually, poke all the holes with a pick, make sure water comes out. I also disconnect the raw water intake hose at the thermostat housing and point it down to drain. Then hold it up and fill with AF. That pushes water out of the p/s cooler and hoses that go through the transom mount. I also fill the motor manually for the engine (via top end of big hose, no need to remove stat, just fill till it spurts out neck of 'stat housing) and manifolds (fill till it runs out exhaust housing on the transom mount). PS in cold climates, the -50 and -60 get hard at about 7 to 10 degrees above zero, If you want to use pre-mix use either the -75 or the -100 if it gets below zero. I mix up a 50/50 mix of Sierra PG antifreeze and water. Protects down to -26 F, which is fine in my climate.

great tip about removing cushions, life jackets, etc, anything that can hold water that is removable. thanks!

I have the same engine, 1991. When I winterized it last week I drained the hoses and the block plugs, except I think I forgot to drain the seawater pickup pump inlet, the one on the same side as the steering fluid cooler. I did pour 2 gallons of antifreeze into the thermostat housing after putting everything back together. Do I need to go back and remove that hose to make sure, or is it ok the way I did it?

Just had to see how others do it, the winterizing, Same as I do. May I suggest though when you tarp...I use two Big fitness balls on top of raised 5 gal buckets to give the tarp a nice peak in the bow and mid people area...Snow and ice slides off nicely.

Great video

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

On older motors you will want to insert a nail or your screwdriver into each of those drain holes while the water is draining to clear any rust. Sometimes rust accumulates at those drain points, preventing all the water to drain.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. Very true good tip

@ericfeader5903

2 жыл бұрын

Not just rust but sand and sediment

@bradleynh

Жыл бұрын

It’s a good idea; I’ve used a wire coat hanger-

Watching this video for the 3rd year in a row 🤣 great video

8:56 How does the coolant get pass the rubber impeller in the lower unit?

I know this is an older video but hoping you're able to answer. Do you leave it drained thru the winter or do you leave it filled with AF? Seems like you leave it drained but wanted to make sure. First time boat owner and also live in MN so curious on your thoughts. Thanks for the video!

I couldn’t help but notice the liquid coming out of the back of the motor was very diluted. Is that OK? Also, if you follow your procedures, is it still necessary to start motor first to allow the thermostat to open or is that not necessary since you’re pouring antifreeze down both hoses ?

do you even have to run the engine at all? filling through the hose, will this flow on both sides of the thermostat?

Should we drain the antifreeze before I use it for the first time the following season so I do not contaminate the lake I’m going to ?

Thank you dude ,this is a $500 marine mcanic job,seems pretty simple ,costly if not correctly done thought,-40 up here in the great white north so very important,again thanks🇨🇦🇺🇲✅️

What’s the best way to winterize a boat usin this method or using a 5 gallon jug

Great video. Motivation for me to do the same process in a couple weeks to my 5.7 alpha. Any tips?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Make sure you put enough coolant in. Drain the block first. Good luck. It's actually pretty easy.

just so you know: i did a job on a unit that sat about a year or a little longer and the fuel was so bad that it got on to the intake valve and locked it into the valve guild .... and i had to pull the head and send it out for a valve job and reinstall it no problem i have done hundreds of them ... but on this unit i had to remove all rubber hoses and pull fuel tank to have it sent out to a shop that can power flush it out as per customer ... and i had to install the fuel tank and clean out all the steel lines with carb cleaner... because of bad calif fuel... after about 8 months you should dump the fuel or use it in your lawnmower Haha...

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

That sounds awful. I am thinking fuel has less of a shelf life than it use to. Back in the day farmers would let their equipment sit for years and it would start right up. Just add a little fresh gas. Things are changing I guess

After replacing my bellows & universal joint, gimbal bearing, etc. on my boat this season, that is not a job you want to do frequently. Store your boat with the motor down as low as possible to reduce the pressure on your bellows and u-joints If you are worried about critters getting into your prop, you have a storage location problem, ... and the height of your motor will not deter where a mouse goes.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

Good tip

When you winterize your boat do you put plugs back in it and pour it with antifreeze at the end?

Thanks for your great demo But I need to ask you do you keep the engine full of antifreeze or you gonna drain the antifreeze off the engine and keep the engine empty of any liquid Thanks

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

Either way. Some people say leave the antifreeze in the engine because it prevents rust. Some say drain it because your engine will forsure not burst. Personally, I say drain it. I have done both ways

Great video. Question, does your gear lube reservoir fluctuate? Was wondering why it was low?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

It should only go down slowly. I didn't top it off knowing I was going to drain it all for winterizing. That same day I drained it and filled it

Sta-bil or seafoam..? I've been adding a can of seafoam to every tank of gas since we purchased our boat this year (1988 cobia bowrider). Should I opt for sta-bil for winterizing? Boat hadn't really been run in many years, overall great condition given age. No issues with the engine. Just got new prop and bellows done. Thanks to your videos, very pleased with our purchase! Boats on CL were everything we were warned about, and more!

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

Seadosm is totally fine.

I would strongly recommend collecting the glycol that comes out of all the ports as it is poisonous for ingestion by animals. Also, it is sweet which attracts the animals too

Hey, Chris. Good video on boat maintence. However, i had a friend who used RV antifreeze like you use. But after a few years of doing this the rv antifreeze ate away his gaskets and seals. Engine antifreeze is a better way to go. Thoughts?

@BNtrenching

9 ай бұрын

If his seals went bad, its not from RV antifreeze. Its whats its made for.

Do i need to run engine with stabil ? or can i just skip to draining water and adding antifreeze.I would still dump some stabil in gas. I say this because i don't have access to water where its at. Thanks

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

It is best to run it with stable in it just so the fuel with stable can get into the carb. But, if you can't run it you will most likly be fine. The stable will prevent the gas in the tank from going bad. The most important thing is getting the water out of the block and lower end.

When you’re done flushing it, and put the blue plugs in for the last time, do you fill it back up with antifreeze for winter or do you drain it all out and leave the engine empty?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

You can do either way. Full or empty

How do you find fuel compacity of your boat if you don't have access to feul tank. 2007 crestliner sportfish 1850

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

8 ай бұрын

My guess is 20 to 25 gallons.

Nice video. Did you store it drained, with the plugs out? Or full of anti-freeze with the plugs in?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

This year I drained it and put the plugs back in. In years past I have done both. Block empty with plugs out and block full with plugs in.

Would hurt if put whole bottle of 360 stabilizer in gas tank ?

Just bought a 2000 Crownline with the 4.3l. It looks just like your motor here. Looking back at the engine, there is a clear reservoir high up, next to the dipstick. What is the reservoir? It is not marked except for "high" and "Low" Fluid is greenish black and at the low mark. Help please?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

Жыл бұрын

Lower end fluid.

Chris, if you store your boat with the trim down fluid will flow away from the gimble bearing.

@robertdean6222

Жыл бұрын

After I had my boat winterized, I did turn the trim down and a lot of diluted antifreeze came out and I was a little concerned ,next year when I do it myself I’ll make sure it’s thoroughly done. Thanks to this video.

I add the fuel additives to a fresh 5 gal gas can and mix it thoroughly before o add it to the tank Premixing like that helps to diffuse the mixture through the tank and lines.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

Yes,I agree. Nice job

@blaws6684

3 жыл бұрын

Chris Boats thanks for the video. My friend bought a searay with a 4.3 tks and wants me to winterize it this weekend I wanted a fresh view of one or similar to get familiar with the layout.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

@@blaws6684 good luck.

@blaws6684

3 жыл бұрын

Chris Boats tnx. Oh by the way an old marina mech once told me to add a few capfuls of marvels mystery oil per gallon too if you don’t plan on fogging. I’ve done it since and have not had any issues

Great video.I have sea ray 175 ,the same engine.How much coolant do you need to winterize 4.3 ?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

I used 4 gallons. You could get away with 3. I do my motor twice which is why I used 4. You don't have to do it twice but, I do

I guessing that the boat plug is out to let all that water and antifreeze drain out from under motor?

Great video! Thanks! The semi clear oil reservoir on the front, port side of the motor.... is that lower end unit gear oil? ... will that Reservoir empty when you drain the oil out of your lower unit?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is lower end fluid. And yes it will drain. I did mine and can make a video of it.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

By port you mean looking forward hopefully

@wcaknights

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, forward passenger side (port/starboard)

@wcaknights

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

So you left plugs out in engine for winter? Or do you leave full. The video comfused me there for a sec. Great video thank you.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

You can take plugs out for the winter or put them in. Doesn't matter as long as the motor is flushed or filled up with coolant

Why does it seem like when I put the earmuffs on my propeller it’s not sucking up any water? It just drips very little behind and when I take my drain plugs out the water was almost black?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe not a good fit or bad impeller

Question do you drain all of the anti freeze out after you have filled it the second time or do you leave it full of antifreeze?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

Either way is fine. Full or empty

Hey, thanks for the videos. I have the same boat(mine is a 2000) , and I just discovered the splits/cracks in the fiberglass in the corners around the stringers where the motor mounts. I noticed your boat has them too. Do you know anything about that?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

The fiberglass flexes. The paint doesn't. It is the paint cracking typically

@bigs6364

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I too had/have my own nightmare with the boat I bought. Turns out the boat had a cracked block , that I discovered on my 3rd time having the boat on the water, so a remanufactured long block went in. Now the boat doesn't want to run for more than 20-30 seconds. I discovered the oil switch is leaking, and the wires for it are melted. Im hoping that solves the issue. Thats why I noticed the cracked fiberglasd around the stringers

Sorry if this is an obvious question...does the 180 degree water not do anything to the fiberglass of the hull when the plugs are pulled? Is that ok for the boat? Any damage? Thanks for he video. 🇨🇦👍🏼

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

It doesn't hurt anything. 180 isn't actually that hot. I pulled the plugs out and the hot water is hot on your hands but not skin melting. I use to do just oil changes on cars and would get hot engine oil all over my hands and arms all the time. It doesn't hurt to bad but doesn't feel to good.

@barrybebenek8691

4 жыл бұрын

Ok great. Thanks again.

Big Island MN, ive got also this drain plug for engine oil, can you please make a photo how it stays in your engine, mine is at the bottom in the bilge but yours is on the top, please make more pics for me thanks

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

I guess I don't understand what plug

@kubaSWAT

4 жыл бұрын

Big Island MN engine oil drain tube

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Mine connects to the bottom of the motor right next to the dip stick

@kubaSWAT

4 жыл бұрын

Big Island MN please make a picture

Hey chris after you have flushed coolant through everything twice do you leave it full of coolant or drained?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

Жыл бұрын

Either way is fine.

Do you leave the motor and everything full of coolent? I saw you drained it the last time but did you put more coolent in.

@reubenmeier212

3 жыл бұрын

Nevermind I saw the question was already asked. Thank you!

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

Either way. Doesn't hurt to leave it in

I have a 1989 Sunbird 4.3 but the temperature gauge is not working how can I fix it?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

Жыл бұрын

I made a video that is similar. Temp sender on mercruiser

Hey Chris , If your block is full of water in the spring and a night of freezing weather comes up how do you keep the freeze from causing damage?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

The whole motor won't freeze overnight. But, that is why I put coolant in there incase it does or stays freezing for many days

How come when draining my engine from antifreeze I’m not seeing any come out of the right side of the manifold? All other 4 plugs I see antifreeze come out? I have same 4.3 mercruiser

@mikeoswald3288

3 жыл бұрын

Also I didn’t know if my battery should be connected while doing it

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

Take a screw driver and poke the holes. They are likely blocked. It is common. Battery is fine

@mikeoswald3288

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka when I drained originally from the water it came out of all 5

I'm sure the EPA enjoys watching all that coolant spill all over!..

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

Жыл бұрын

It's biodegradable

Can anyone comment on whether there is a risk of letting too much air into the outdrive by letting oil out of the drain? When servicing it, they are adamant about not letting air get in there. Thanks.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

Air can get in there. In fact. You can just drain it and not fill it till spring.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

As you let oil out if will fill with air.

My trim isn't working, no sound when using the switch. I hear the trailer switch. It is up now.

Do you fog the carb to shut it off before flushing?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

I kill the motor with fogger while running water through it. Then put coolant in

Is there anything special to do in the spring? Or just put it in the lake and go?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

I latest video goes over spring

When getting it ready for spring… do you drain the coolant if you left it full over the winter? The guy that winterized mine left it full but he’s now out of the business. Time for me to learn a few things…

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

You can just run it with it in. It should be biodegradable.

@isaacn92

2 жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka awesome, thank you! After I commented, I watched your summerize video. So I’ll be doing a little more research and learning as I go! Great videos!

Why You havent fog your engine this year?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

You don't have to fog it. If I were to store it for more than a year I would 100% for the motor

So you drain all of the coolant out? You don't fill up the manifolds and block and leave it in?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

Жыл бұрын

You can do either. As long as the water is out

@douglasvannuys7479

Жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka thanks man! I really appreciate the reply!

You don't fog your engine when winterizing?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

I use to. It's a little over kill. If it was going to sit over a year I would

Is ok use more than 3 0z.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. It is such a small amount compared to 30 gallons of gas

What kind of antifreeze do you use??

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

RV, marine

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

I used the beand splash rv , marine -75 degree rating

I broke off 1 of the blue drain plug . Do you have a video on that ?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

It broke off? You might have to drill it out. Shouldn't be to hard since they are plastic.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

I do not have a video of that. Only showing where the blue plugs are

@allenletizia321

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonkaThank you for get back to me . I look up part gives me a number . Is that the engine serial number ? or drive serial for drain plug kit you know ? All new to me confusing to me . Be great if help me out .

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

@@allenletizia321 I am guessing the year and motor size would be all you need to get the right plugs.

@allenletizia321

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka I wish . When you look up drain plug kit all I see is numbers . I call a dealer . Thanks for get back to me .

I like to run my motor dry of coolant to winterize

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Not a bad thing to do

I’m doing it. But the top sides. Nothing is coming out. The bottom is coming out pink. But the higher blue plugs nothing is coming out.

@GetzReel

4 жыл бұрын

I got it. I just dumped some in the top 2 small hoses

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

Put the plugs back in then pour 2 gallons in. Then pull the plugs back in. Sounds like you got it though

Is it me, or is that lower-end loose when you shake the boat?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

They go side to side freely. That is how you steer. You should be able to push the lower end and the steering wheel should turn.

What year 4.3 is this?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

2 жыл бұрын

2001

@mikelaba8985

2 жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka exactly what i was looking for thanks! I am about to buy a boat with this engine. Have you experienced any issues with it?

Are you the voice of Chief Wiggim from the Simpsons?

Best to use stabilizer during last use of the year. Dude literally shook the boat lol.

Pull all drinks plugs.. install all drain plugs. Put ear muffs on. Hook to a 12 volt pump with antifreeze start motor run until you see pink.. wow why make such a mess ?

Where is the Seafoam?

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

I add stable not seafoam

@kubaSWAT

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigIslandMNMinnetonka there are better things than seafoam for storage

You're confusing outdrive with motor and confusing sta-bil with seafoam. Also outdrive with "lower end". Lower end is the crankcase of the engine. Also: an engine produces power, a motor needs power applied to it to run. Example: Combustion engine vs. electric motor; think about it. However you are very correct about removing life jackets, etc. for the winter. I also use a few "damp-rid" canisters to absorb water (humidity) out of the air over the winter to avoid mold and mildew.

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

4 жыл бұрын

I know what I mean to say. I am not the best with words. In just about every video I miss speak on simple things.

@christitansfan

3 жыл бұрын

You are very knowledgeable on terminology. Please post a link to your boat winterization video.

Don’t store with leg up

Don't dump coolant all over the place; not good for our environment, or human health. Thanks

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

This coolant is not bad. Car or truck coolant is. This stuff is non toxic biodegradable. Look it up. Plant based

@BigIslandMNMinnetonka

3 жыл бұрын

I respect your concern and respect you looking out for out planet. Much respect