Winter engine options

[pugwash]

I'm looking at my boatyard's list of lay-up options and trying to figure how to save money. Question: In these globally warming times, is it really necessary to winterize then recommission the 20hp diesel of a wooden yacht kept in a mud berth on the South Coast? What if I just take the batteries home to keep them warm, and give the engine a full service in April which it must have anyway? ( The cooling system has new antifreeze.)

 

[pugwash]

Just noticed Colin's helpful reply to a similar thread lower down. Is it better to change oil and filters etc at the end of the season when she goes into the mud, or in spring? And what happens if you don't do anything, just leave it without batteries until spring?

 

[Skyva_2]

Best to change the oil and filters at the end of the season - that way the old oil, which now contains acids and products of combustion, does not get to act on the engine over the winter.

Also fill the fuel tank - to reduce condensation.

Keith

 

[ArthurWood]

As has been said, change oil and filters at end of season and take batts home. Drain all fresh water from the boat; drain the raw water side of the heat exchanger(though it would have to be pretty cold for salt water to freeze). Make sure the boat is well-ventilated or has some kind of dehumidification if you are going to leave it all winter. You never know, you might have a fine day for a winter trip, so all you have to do is put the batts back and off you go.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I'm looking at my boatyard's list of lay-up options and trying to figure how to save money. Question: In these globally warming times, is it really necessary to winterize then recommission the 20hp diesel of a wooden yacht kept in a mud berth on the South Coast?

It has been quite a warm winter so far so I expect you'll be fine.

 

[Tranona]

It has been quite a warm winter so far so I expect you'll be fine.

But what was it like in the winter 02/03 when pugwash asked the question?

 

[Sneaky Pete]

It has been quite a warm winter so far so I expect you'll be fine.

The words there are so far If I recollect Guernsey had snow and was freezing last winter. What I may add to what has been said on the fresh water intake side of your engine. Disconnect the hose place in a basin with a strong water anti-freeze mixture run engine till the coloured water comes out of outlet pipe, switch off. This mixture has got to be better than salt water and you now have your entire engine protected. Of course you can hope that the weather will be fine?

 

[VicS]

It has been quite a warm winter so far so I expect you'll be fine.

The words there are so far If I recollect Guernsey had snow and was freezing last winter. What I may add to what has been said on the fresh water intake side of your engine. Disconnect the hose place in a basin with a strong water anti-freeze mixture run engine till the coloured water comes out of outlet pipe, switch off. This mixture has got to be better than salt water and you now have your entire engine protected. Of course you can hope that the weather will be fine?

It really is far too late to advise anyone what they should have done to winterise their engine 11 years ago. Hopefully the Op did the right things and the engine survived that bitterly cold winter

 

[Sneaky Pete]

You are right and it is but for anyone considering the same this year, will I won’t I, don’t leave it to chance. You can destroy and engine by thinking and acting cheaply or for a small outlay be able to use the same engine the next season.