Name:	bushhog -	Reply
Subject:	Cold Winter effect ????
Date:	2/27/2014 11:15:23 AM

Time caught me and I didn't get my engine winterized.  I did however wrap the engine with tarp and foam sheets .  Do yall think  this was enough so the engine did not freeze up?  If it did freeze and bust somewhere , when will I know? 

Name:	Osms -	Reply
Subject:	Cold Winter effect ????
Date:	2/27/2014 4:51:23 PM

CAT where are you??  I assume you have an inboard/outboard.  If you didn't drain the block and manifolds you'll probably have an expensive mess.  It was definitely cold enough, 9 degrees, to freeze any raw water left in engine. Could have cracked the block and the manifolds.  Have a friend who did a similar thing about 5 years ago and it cost him about $4,500.  If it was an outboard and you didn't have the motor tilted back, it should be ok.  Tilting the motor can sometimes hold some water in the foot which will freeze and crack the lower unit.  Good luck.  Oh, to answer your question.  You'll find out if you have a problem as soon as you try to crank the engine---look for water---if it will crank.

Name:	au67 -	Reply
Subject:	Cold Winter effect ????
Date:	2/27/2014 5:48:29 PM

Several years ago I put my inboard/outboard in the water after storing for the winter.  I had winterized it as I normally do and expected no problems.  She cranked fine and sounded normal.  As I always do, I double checked before heading out. Upon raising the engine cover with the engine still running, I saw I was taking on water from somewhere and the bilge pump was on active duty.  Naturally, I put the boat back on the trailer and pulled her out.  To cut to the chase, a freeze plug had been pushed out over the winter because one of the petcocks (I have a total of six) had clogged with some rust and some water had not been drained.  In hindsight, I should have run a wire up in the petcock to check for such an event.  I was lucky and suffered no major engine damage because most of the water had been drained (but not all).  I had the freeze plug reinstalled and everything has been fine since.  As OSMS has said, you'll know something when you put her in the water.  Good luck.  

Name:	Zman -	Reply
Subject:	Cold Winter effect ????
Date:	2/27/2014 10:49:57 PM

Ditto on a freeze plug popping experience.  That was the only damage to my Volvo I/O in N Florida years ago, where it got below freezing, but not as low and long as we experienced around LM this winter.

Best of luck, mate!

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	Cold Winter effect ????
Date:	2/28/2014 8:21:33 AM

Although I always suggest to have Inboards AND outboards properly winterized for storage, if yours is an Inboard it's almost a gaurantee it is frozen and severe damage has been done.  As mentioned in this thread, sometimes even if you do winterize water becomes trapped in the engine by sand or rust.  You will know when you crank the engine next time.  It may not leak to the outside, but check your oil for water after it has ran for a minute or so as it may leak internally.  We have already replaced three engines this past week. 

Steve

www.cathousemarine.com

Name:	bushhog -	Reply
Subject:	Cold Winter effect ???? crank on land
Date:	2/28/2014 8:09:44 PM

Thanks guys.  It is a 115 Honda...foot was tiled down and water leaked out when I stored it in our laydown are.  Can I use those "ewater ears"  what you mechanics use to crank in the shop and crank the engine to see if any problem is there???  Please advise

Thanks

Name:	Osms -	Reply
Subject:	Cold Winter effect ???? crank on land
Date:	3/1/2014 8:52:14 PM

Hook up the muffs and fire it up.  Your should have no problem

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Cold Winter effect ????
Date:	3/1/2014 10:17:37 PM

No