Engine questions - winterising and servicing

[hoped4]

After not running the engine for 3 weeks I notice that the first 2-3 spurts of water being discharged are brown rusty colour (salt water cooled) - is this cause for concern.

Also the boat will be out of the water for 8 weeks. To what extent should I go to winterising the engine, just fill the sea water cooling with antifreeze? or more or less? I plan to have the engine serviced as soon as she is back in the water. Any suggestions of a good marine engineer in Brighton or nearby who will do this at a sensible price?

 

[IanPoole2]

I also change the oil and oil filters, fill diesel tank and check fuel filters. If I'm having someting else done, like now getting the gearbox and cable checked I get it done as soon as possible (assuming you can run the engine out of the water) otherwise come March/April you could be waiting for an engineer. Not such a problem if you DIY.

 

[Ross1]

It is also good practice to slacken off the alternator belt and stick a rag up the exhaust pipe. I believe that some composite fuel tanks should be emptied rather the filled!