Does anyone know the best way to winterize a 350 Volvo with a 280 outdrive?
etc etc.

Thanks Brian N

From:
http://www.lakeconroemarine.net/Boat...iser_engi.html

One of the most important steps in extending the trouble-free life of
your Mercruiser engine is to be sure that it has been properly serviced and
prepared for cold weather during the winter. Water left in the engine can
cause major damage to the engine block and the manifold system. Below are
some things you should do each winter. The importance of a service manual
cannot be overstated. The Mercruiser's manual has a very good and detailed
section on winterization procedures. We strongly recommend that your
MerCruiser is winterized by an authorized MerCruiser dealer. Damage caused
by freezing or improper winterization is NOT covered by the limited factory
warranty


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a.. The cooling system is the main area of concern. All inboard and
sterndrive engines have petcocks that are either turned or removed in order
to drain water from the block, exhaust manifolds, and hoses. These petcocks
can become clogged with debris. You can poke a wire into the drains to
remove the debris and allow water to drain. Temporarily remove the water
hoses that feed the block and manifolds, and pour antifreeze (red RV is
recommended) into them until it runs out of the petcocks.

The drain system on your engine is NOT intended to replace full
winterization. It is for extending your boating season by allowing the
cooling system to be drained after use if there is a risk of light freezing
weather and you will be boating the next day. For full extended winter
storage, after completely draining the cooling system, Mercury MerCruiser
recommends the use of propylene glycol antifreeze (with a rust inhibitor for
marine engines) in the sea water section of the cooling system.

b.. The engine should be fogged to ensure that the engine's inner
workings are not exposed to condensation and rust over the winter. Most
carburetor engines can be fogged by slowly pouring a little 20-weight oil or
engine storage fogging oil down the throat of the carburetor while the
engine runs at a fast idle, then rapidly pouring the rest down the throat to
"choke" off the engine. On newer engines, follow the service manual.
Typically, it involves pouring a small amount of outboard oil into the water
separating fuel filter, then running the engine to let it ingest the oil.
After the fogging is done, change the engine oil and filter

c.. The fuel system must have fuel stabilizer added for proper
winterization. The process of conditioning the fuel is the same for any
internal combustion engine. Add plenty of fuel stabilizer so that you will
not be leaving gummy varnish in the carburetors, EFI injectors and the rest
of the fuel system by the time winter is over. Too much leaves a bigger dent
in your wallet when you purchase it, but saves big repair bills later. If
the boat has a water-separating fuel filter, change the canister now before
you start treating the fuel. This will ensure that any water in the system
is removed. The conditioner is mixed with the fuel in the boat's tank before
it's run for the last time, so that treated fuel ends up throughout the fuel
system, not just in the tank.

d.. The drive gear lubricant must be changed. This will ensure that
there is no water in the lower unit that can freeze and cause serious
damage. To ensure that the winterization has been done properly, the
outdrive should be removed so that the universal joint can be greased and
the gimbal bearing checked for wear. Most boaters will leave this to the
dealer, and it can be done every second season to save a bit of cash .

e.. The drive should be touched up if paint is missing, and the
speedometer and cooling ports must be probed with a fine wire to be sure
there's no water trapped inside. This is also a good time to check the prop;
if it's damaged, send it out for refinishing while the boat is being stored
for the winter.

f.. Lastly, coat the electrical system and engine block with a fine
mist of silicone spray. This will keep everything protected during the
winter.


"B. Neal" wrote in message
newsITeb.38338$0Z5.19364@lakeread03...
Does anyone know the best way to winterize a 350 Volvo with a 280
outdrive?
etc etc.

Thanks Brian N