[gilla]

Pushed the season a bit, but started the 2002 boating season Sunday. Have a 205 Crownline BR with a 6.2 MPI/b1. When I drained all engine water last fall, I slipped off the hoses on the top t connector and poured in the antifreeze. Saturday, I connected the water hose to the B1 and fired it up at home. I watched closely and did not see any water flow thru the engine or out the exhausts. From my car racing days, I know a water temp gauge will not work if no water is in the jackets. The probe does not read on air. Thus, if you were watching your temp gauge, you would think that the engine has not warmed up-when in fact it is overheating-no water available to get hot to measure the temp. No water-temp gauge not moving-shut it off after just a few min. I loosened the hose clamps, pulled the upper hose and filled them with the garden hose. Back together-startup and wow-I had water flow thru the engine and exhaust. I don't know if I had put the boat in without a test, if it would have primed itself and started flowing. Any ideas on that? If it had not, the temp gauge would not have told you untill it was to late. Most of you probably have a solution to this but I was glad that I took the time to check at the house.
Had a great trip at Pickwick on Sunday. Boys skied and tubed-although water too cold for me. The 6.2 runs very smooth-58mph gps-and it wast good to hear that sound again. All is right again in the Magnolia State.

Gilla

 

[wildchild212]

Never seen or heard of that problem gilla, but it was an awesome catch on your part could have been expensive.

 

[OldMagicfloat]

I never had that problem occur,but I do have a thought on what might of happened.I think after draining the engine and then pouring anti-freeze in the top connector,you might have created a huge air pocket.By putting the water in the upper hose,you most likely got enough water in to force out the air. Mind you this is just a guess. 2 questions,when you winterized the boat,did you drain all the water out and leave it empty ?? Or did you re-fill the system thru the t-stat? If you did the second,there is a much better way to do it. Let us know

 

[gilla]

I drained, then poured in the antifreeze. Your probably correct about creating an air pocket. When I restarted the engine after priming, I did notice the antifreeze exit first. (Don't worry-it was the safe kind). I am always looking for a better way-so advise when time permits.

Thanks
Gilla

 

[FA18Driver]

Hey Gilla, I see you are from Tupelo? I have a buddy who lives there

 

[OldMagicfloat]

gilla,there is a kit you can buy,or make very cheap,that allows you to run the boat and fill the motor correctly. It is nothing more than a 5 gallon plastic jug with a shutoff valve and a tee. You fill the jug with your anti -freeze mixture. You hook up your muffler to the outdrive,hook up your garden hose and then connect the tee in between. I run the boat with straight water until it reaches operating temperature. After it is warm,you then shut off the valve allowing the antifreeze mixture to be drained from the plastic jug. When you see antifreeze coming from the exhaust,shut it down and you should have a proper mixture in the engine and exhaust without any air pockets. You can buy this set-up at places like Boat U.S or you can make one very cheap.

Hope this helps,any other questions I would be happy to answer.

 

[obnoxus]

how long did you run the motor before you got nervous and shut it off,,,,,,My guess is the motor drained out through thr dirve and it was just taking time to fill the block, hoses etc. A motor doesnt pump tons of water at an idle, and even from weekend to weekend, my boat will take some time to start pumping water.

Here is how I found how long it takes water to circulate through a motor.

I winterize using my flush muffs, and a 5 gallon jug of antifreeze mix, the same one boatnut is talking about ( i pull my thermostat first to insure circulation ) I dont have an exact time, but idleing, the jug is almost empty before I start seeing green water come from the motor, and its just enough to get a good mix comming form the exhaust pipes, I have enough time to get into the boat and start fogging it. I wouldnt start worriing until about 30 secs or more of no steam or water. ( steam meaning water is about 5 secs away )

 

[FA18Driver]

Glad I don't have to do all that crap, I just make sure the shop door is closed and I am ready for the 4 days of winter we have:laugher:

 

[obnoxus]

That was mean !!!:gunner: :gunner: :gunner:

 

[FA18Driver]

One of the joys of living in the south, Just wish I didn't have to deal with the saltwater so much, pain in hte ax flushing and cleaning all the time...:ninja:

 

[obnoxus]

Yeah yeah thats it,,, when i am done boating I put it on the trailer cover it and go home !!!! ( ok I clean it for an hour to, but not cuz I have to !! )

 

[gilla]

Guys,

Thanks for the tip-will definitely use next fall.

A new question up for comments is closed cooling. Again from car racing, 190 degrees temp seems the best for top hp. Doesn't freshwater cooling, with ave temps from 140 - 175 cost boaters HP? The NASCAR guys have dynoed the temp thing but I can't remember what the hp dif was based on temp. Anyone with experience on closed vs open cooling?

Tupelo, The Birthplace of Elvis. Elvis festival May 31 (Charlie Daniels) and June 1 (BB King). All in Downtown Tupelo on two stages. Many other good acts. Come visit.

Gilla