winterizing perkins 4-108

rmeador · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2010

I winterized my Perkins 4-108 today. Or at least, I think I did. I took the raw water intake hose off the seacock and sucked 2 gallons of antifreeze through the engine. It was cloudy and raining at the time, so I couldn't tell if the antifreeze was coming out the exhaust or just plain water. Do you think 2 gallons was enough?

Minnewaska · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010

Has as much to do with the distance from the seacock to the engine and the engine to any low spot in the exhaust, as the engine itself. It took 5 gallons on my boat, diff engine.

I prefer to use -100f antifreeze for the engine so that it can withstand some dilution as it may mix with existing water.

rmeador · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010

Ok, I guess I'll go get a few more gallons... I was using -50 degree antifreeze. I can't believe it will ever get that cold. Even if it dilutes, I would think it would be fine. I was beginning to question whether it is necessary at all. The water where my boat is supposedly never freezes in the winter, and the engine has the cabin on one side, espar on another, hot water heater on another, and battery charger on the last side... it's basically surrounded by heat generating things. The only thing that would put it at risk would be a power failure.

jasonr575 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010

I usually put 4 gal through my perkins 4 108. 3 gal. Till I see pink then 1 more just because. I am in connecticut so temps vary a lot here.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010

Winterizing it is just good seamanship... puts points in the black box... and helps prevent Murphy from kicking your teeth in...

BTW, if the -50˚ stuff got diluted, the freezing temp for it goes up really fast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmeador

Ok, I guess I'll go get a few more gallons... I was using -50 degree antifreeze. I can't believe it will ever get that cold. Even if it dilutes, I would think it would be fine. I was beginning to question whether it is necessary at all. The water where my boat is supposedly never freezes in the winter, and the engine has the cabin on one side, espar on another, hot water heater on another, and battery charger on the last side... it's basically surrounded by heat generating things. The only thing that would put it at risk would be a power failure.

lancelot9898 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010

I get by with only 2 gallons till I see it exit from the exhaust for my 4-108 but it really depends on the plumbing.

Minnewaska · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmeador

......The only thing that would put it at risk would be a power failure.

That's a good enough reason for me in the winter.

Not sure I noticed that you were keeping all the heating equip on all winter. That may soften the issue, but your intake and exhaust may not be entirely contained within your engine compartment anyway.

By the way, -50f is the bursting temp, not the freezing temp, which is much higher (less cold). Dillute it and the freezing temp becomes an issue quickly. I believe most -50f bottles say not to dillute for that reason.

rmeador · #8 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010

I'll run another 2 gallons through it just so I've done my due diligence.

Minnewaska, I live aboard, so all that stuff will be running all winter. But it is something of a risk, and if the power's going to go out, Murphy says it will be on the coldest day of the year. At least I can keep my heat running without shore power for a day or so, unlike my landlubber friends

They might end up crashing at my place!