Hello all,

I have less than a month left of boating in WV.  I usually leave the boat in until the leaves change.  That last cruise on the lake with all the colors is spectacular.

Questions:

Can the Engine Flush Port be utilized in some manner for winterizing with AF?  I have read a million different methods and recommendations to winterizing boats.  I have a CrownLine 270 with a VP 5.7GI engine.  I know I have many options but can the Engine Flush Port provide any advantage in winterizing my boat?  How do you guys winterize for those that live in climates below freezing during winter months?  Let me have your $.02

Also, how do I winterize the AC unit.  I have read that there is a drain plug but have not found this item.  Do you then somehow run AF through the unit?

I am also looking for information on winterizing the on-board generator as well.  I guess I would run the generator with the raw water hose attached to a bucket of AF and then change the oil/filter/plug.

I will be collecting your data and comments.  Thanks for any input you have.

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

I too have read many different methods of winterizing your engine.  Let me tell you what I experienced last weekend.  I flushed my engine 2 wks ago with -100 AF.  I attached the ear muffs and a garden hose with water and ran engine to operating temp. (this is to open the thermostat).  I than flushed the -100 AF thru the engine 'till 5 gallons of AF was gone and it came out of the exhaust.  This past weekend the Marina mechanic used his trusty tool to check the AF in the block and to my surprise it read 20 above 0 and not anything below 0.  So he suggested I drain the block of all fluids and than run the -100 AF which I did.  He also mentioned that I didn't have to worry about getting the engine to operating temp for the thermostat to open.  So, from now on, I will run the engine with water to operating temp, drain the block of all the water, and than run the -100 AF thru the block. 

 Hope that helps but I am sure you will also recieve additional tips from other Crownies!!  Good Luck.

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Dean Owens
1998 268cr "Better When Wet"

Thanks for the info.  Everybody does it differently.  I like what you recommended.  Thanks again.