[SummerFun]

Hi to All,

I'm a new member. I have a '92 Mariah Diablo 182 with the 4.3L Merc and Alpha 1 O/D. As I live above the 'frostline' I was hoping someone might have a "Winterizing Checklist' going over step-by-step as to what I want to do in order to protect my new baby over the snowier months. Looking forward to hearing from you...

abe

[WetWilly]

Hi SummerFun,

As many of our members live where it gets down to freezing, we've discussed this many times in the past, but it's always good to take a refresher!

Click here and here and read these two threads, they should have all the information and links to articles you need to safely prep your Mariah for the up-coming hibernation.

Good luck,
WetWilly

[SummerFun]

Thanks "Dubbleya"...

Much appreciated. I'm guessing that 'Winterizing' a motor isn't 'engine specific' then? Basically all boat motors are winterized the same?

Thanks again...

abe

[WetWilly]

Hi Abe, that's right, the procedure is pretty much the same for most setups.

Another thing to remember, which I believe is mentioned but if not, add a gas stabilizer to the fuel tank if there is any gas in there ( I use STA-BIL gas treatment) and run the motor long enough to get the treated gas up to the carb or injectors.

WetWilly

[SummerFun]

Hey once again...just about to winterize my baby ('92 Diablo with 4.3L Merc/Alpha1)

Since I was promised the manual(s) when I purchase this boat last June...disappointingly that hasn't happened.

Wondering...

1. What size/part no. oil filter is on this engine? I'm guessing a Fram PH30??

2. What is the oil capacity of this motor? 5Qt (4.75L)?

3. If draining the block of water...is it really necessary to 'backfill' with anti-freeze??

Thanks in advance liquidlovers!

[Tom]

I thought I could remember everything and finished winterizing on Saturday. Put the boat in the polebarn and Saturday night remembered that I hadn't fogged the engine. Out it came Sunday to do that and now a checklist will be used because my memory certainly isn't getting any better!

[WetWilly]

Originally Posted by Tom

I thought I could remember everything and finished winterizing on Saturday. Put the boat in the polebarn and Saturday night remembered that I hadn't fogged the engine. Out it came Sunday to do that and now a checklist will be used because my memory certainly isn't getting any better!

Hi Tom, you're certainly not alone there!

I'm at the stage where I practically need a check list just to function everyday, wouldn't want to forget to go to the bathroom and end up with an accident if you know what I mean.....

WetWilly

[Caspersa21]

Thank you for the articles. I'm putting mine away this weekend. How cold is too cold to have the boat in the water? We literally went from 70s to 30s in a couple of days here, and I am a little worried. Should I be??

Thanks,
C

[indykoch]

Originally Posted by Caspersa21

How cold is too cold to have the boat in the water?

Whatever temp your butt can brave!!!

Usually you can get by with 28° - 30° if it's only for a few hours overnight. Much longer or colder and you'll want to at least drain the block. I think it would take a severe freeze in the mid-lower 20's for a whole night before it could actually crack a block though. Better to be safe than sorry. If I see a forecast of 30° or less, I'm out there draining.

I've been out late in the season, but I've never seen ice in the water. I hope you're not asking about using the boat as an ice breaker!!

[Caspersa21]

Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the advice

The boat's summer home is on the mighty Mississippi, so no ice breaking needed!! I have just never had a boat in the water with temps like this. I'm not too happy we went from Summer right to Winter!! Anyway, she'll be dry this weekend. Thanks again!