Will Motor Freeze

schevel · 03-19-2013, 03:24 PM

Looking for some opinions on this matter, had a beautiful weekend here in South Carolina and took the boat out for a while. They are calling for temperature here to be 26 Thursday morning now. It may only be this low for 6-8 hours. Should I pull all the plugs and drain water out of the block and add antifreeze again? Boat is an SX21 with 5.0 merc. Not sure if the deck lid will insulate enough, while it is sitting outside at a storage facility. Thanks in advance for any input.

Oregondunes · 03-19-2013, 03:37 PM

6-8 hours at that temp is not enough to freeze the block

***mikeyt*** · 03-19-2013, 11:19 PM

You could always run an extension cord out there, plug in a trouble light and leave it hanging in the engine compartment. That little extra heat should avoid any potential problems.

And never ever believe the weather 'forecasters'..... you will have better luck with a groundhog.

csterner · 03-20-2013, 02:15 AM

Sounds stupid but I have actually wrapped an old thick blanket over the engine and the outdrive. Not sure if it helped but it made me feel better!

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allz28 · 03-20-2013, 02:22 AM

It's so easy to pull drain plugs that I'd just do that. Wouldn't bother with antifreeze.

Motoxxx43 · 03-20-2013, 04:24 AM

I'll 2nd the idea of an extension cord and light but like Oregon said, prob not long enough to freeze. It'll help you sleep better though!

Andy b · 03-20-2013, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csterner

Sounds stupid but I have actually wrapped an old thick blanket over the engine and the outdrive. Not sure if it helped but it made me feel better!

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Not stupid at all, can't be as i've done the same thing

Takes me 15 mins to drain down the motor after use, and helps me sleep when the temp drops unexpectedly this time of year