I have an 1986 OMC 260 IO (GM 350 w/ a cobra drive with less then 100 total
hrs on them). The engine was set-up for long term storage while I was in
Florida (pulled all block and manifold drain plugs, oil in the cylinders and
drained gas). I have now (4 yrs later) brought the boat up to Pennsylvania
and need to winterize it. I don't want to start it as there is no gas in
the boat and don't want to do the tune-up to get it running (will not be
used for another 2 yrs). I just want to winterize it so no damage will be
done. I will have a local yard pull the drive but they will not touch the
engine because it is not running. I was thinking if I reinstall all the
drain plugs and pour 50-50 mix of antifreeze (or a non-toxic version if I
can find it) into the thermostat housing it should fill all of the jackets.
I am engine savvy but not familiar with the plumbing done to marinize these
GM truck engines. Since the block and manifolds drain plugs have been out
for 4 years I doubt there is any water in the system. Adding the
anti-freeze *I though* would be good insurance to be sure. The drive will
be kept in the house. Does this sound reasonable???



Second question, when this boat is finally put back into service I was
thinking about getting the OMC changed out for a Merc stern drive (worried
about future availability of OMC parts). I was told that once the transom
was cut for one brand of drive you could not change to another. I wonder if
this is true? Wanted to convert over to one of the merc stern drive
diesels.



I have been around boats my whole life so short answers will work just fine.
I just need the confirmation from somebody else that I am not totally nutz
(boy there is an open-ended question if I have ever heard one...). ;-)



thanks for the help,

mark