Simply draining the system is unlikely to remove all the water inside, which may then freeze and cause damage over the winter.ħ.) Removing the air intake filter once ashore in the autumn and stuffing the intake with an oily rag can prevent it rusting inside.
Run the engine to fully circulate the new solution. Drain the cooling system before hauling out, by disconnecting a hose from the circulating pump (unless there is a dedicated tap or plug), then refilling with a strong solution of fresh antifreeze. And, while repairs to auxiliary components won’t necessarily break the budget, a neglected oil system will cause expensive damage.ĥ.) Before leaving the boat ashore in the winter check the gearbox or outdrive oil and replacing if it looks cloudy or milky.Ħ.) Most diesel engines use a combination of raw water and freshwater cooling - both of which need attention when winterizing. Leaving the old oil contaminated with the acidic by-products of combustion inside the engine block will shorten the engine’s life. Once you’ve finished changing oil, filters and coolant, dry the bilges completely beneath the engine, to prevent corrosion and if necessary, paint them white to highlight any leaks and drips in the future.ģ.) If your boat is being lifted out for the winter you should fill your fuel tank to the brim to prevent condensation, which in turn prevents the growth of diesel bugs.īefore topping up your tank, take the opportunity to use a bit of fuel treatment to kill off any diesel bug that might already be in the tank.Ĥ.) Change the engine oil and replace the oil filter before leaving your boat for the winter. Shine plenty of light, use a mirror on a stick or a digital camera to see under and behind things - especially all the elements of the exhaust.
There are plenty of other items that would benefit from winterization but if you only do one thing, do it on the engine.Ģ.) General engine cleaning and observation should be first on the list of things to do.
A boat contains a multitude of systems that hate inactivity - particularly the engine.ĭiesel engines may be complicated and costly but are absolutely vital for safety and enjoyment, and need to be understood and looked after. Here are our top 12 tipsġ.) Use it! The best way to winterise a boat is to use it. Preparing your boat for any period of standing or floating idle, need not cost the earth but its’ well worth the effort.
0 kommentar(er)
