Please ease my concern |
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Ryan S.
Groupie Joined: October-03-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 53 |
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Posted: January-28-2006 at 2:27pm |
I'm a rookie when it comes to engines so I'm hoping somebody can ease my concern. My paranoia comes from my father-in-law's cracked block two summers ago. I had my boat (1997 Ski Nautique) winterized in November and the mechanic filled the block with 50/50 antifreeze and water. I opened the engine cover today just to check around and I was a little surprised to see some water pooling up around the drain in the bilge. Not enough to flow over the lip of the drain yet (almost), but I know it was completely dry when I put it away for the winter. Is this something to be concerned about? Could it be condensation? Is seems dry in there. I have this fear that the block has a little crack in it and water is leaking out. The boat is covered (carport and cover) and dry, except for a little concensation on the seats and pylon. Thanks for your input.
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Ryan
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bkhallpass
Grand Poobah Joined: March-29-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4723 |
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My money's on condensation. Regardless, nothing you can do about it now anyway. You took the proper precautions, so just leave it be till spring. It will be fine.
You might put a silica can (you can buy them at Home Depot), or a light bulb under the cover, just so the condensation does not turn to mildew. BKH |
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Livin' the Dream
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NAUTI84
Senior Member Joined: June-10-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 485 |
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I wouldn't worry to much,
I'd bet on condensation &/or water that was still left in the carpet or caught up front/in the back of the bilge. Like BKH said, I'd put in one of the condensation traps near the drain to help prevent mildew. Come on Spring!! |
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convo
Newbie Joined: July-20-2005 Location: Edinboro Pa Status: Offline Points: 38 |
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I have to ask - a light bulb?? what/how/why??
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65 'cuda
Platinum Member Joined: July-12-2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Status: Offline Points: 1091 |
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A light bulb will keep it a few degrees warmer in the boat than the ambient temp, so no condensation. (condensation will form when the interior surfaces and parts are cooler than the warmer air in and around the boat, condensing the moisture out of it.)
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scott8370
Gold Member Joined: November-30-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 872 |
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I agree with the other guys here. What kind of antifreeze did they use and why did they mix it 50/50? I always pump in straight marine antifreeze because there is always going to be some water in the engine anyway.
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Scott
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JEFF KOSTIS
Gold Member Joined: April-19-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 817 |
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Make sure everything was drained first, then the antifreeze added. If they just poured antifreeze in without draining, its possible to split something. On the positive note, I hope it isnt, and the water is from the hull. Look at the freeze plugs and see if any look like they are pushed out. You can usually tell this by the paint line on them. If all look OK, the block is prob Ok. Good luck!!
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jbear
Grand Poobah Joined: January-21-2005 Location: Lake Wales FL. Status: Offline Points: 8193 |
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Jeff; Looked for the '76, still not on!
john |
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"Loud pipes save lives"
AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
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JEFF KOSTIS
Gold Member Joined: April-19-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 817 |
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Jbear, I dont know whats going on. No replies after a week. They must be tied up or something.
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bkhallpass
Grand Poobah Joined: March-29-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4723 |
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Convo. Light bulb needs to be on. The little bit of heat emitted will act as 65 said. Some people worry about the lights. West Marine and others sell a real low drawing fan that also does the trick. The circulation does prevents condensation and mildew. Scott, they mix it 50/50 because pure antifreeze is no more effective in preventing freeze. If you look at the containers, most manufacturers suggest the proper mix, even for use in your auto.
BKH |
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Livin' the Dream
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jameski
Senior Member Joined: May-18-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 368 |
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Ryan S.,
I seriously doubt you have a cracked block Jeff - I think my diary post took 10 days or 2 weeks to show up. ...We're looking forward to seeing it. |
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MY70/81
Newbie Joined: January-31-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 24 |
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Just my opinion on this, but I use RV type Anti Freeze to winteize because it is Non Toxic and good to about -40, good even here in Upstate NY. I have seen many people use Ethylene Glycol (most green anti freeze)and end up putting it into the lake in the spring. This stuff is deadly poison and when it is just a couple of boats it is not a problem, but many becomes bad. Also extremely deadly for your pets, less than 1/2 tbspn will kill most. Watch your driveways for leaks, freinds just lost a cat due to this.
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JMurph
Gold Member Joined: January-06-2006 Location: Maryland/NC Status: Offline Points: 738 |
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My70/81,
Nice post........Who doesn't want to be a little more friendly to the environment? Especially, with little skiers and dogs running around. |
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M3Fan
Grand Poobah Joined: October-22-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3185 |
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Your boat is fine. It's condensation.
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todda
Newbie Joined: May-07-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Hey Ryan-
I am sure that you won't have any problem with a cracked block. I bet you are right in saying that it is probably just some condensation accumulation (especially if you have a vinyl--like boat cover that holds in the moisture), and probably could be solved with some Dry-Z-Air crystals under your hood. ALSO, I wouldn't reccommend the light bulb trick. I had a patient who did just that, light bulb cracked and he BURNED his boat right down to the trailer. If you are super concerned, and cheap insurance, I have used a magnetic block heater before (just clips right on the block or oil pan, and radiates about 175W) and you can get them at AutoZone, CarQuest, or the like. When I had the boat outside, I used the block warmer, and it worked like a champ, and only runs about $35. Best of luck, and I hear congrats is in order for you and Lori too! Todd |
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Todd
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Jim_In_Houston
Platinum Member Joined: September-06-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1120 |
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The way I winterize my boat is to switch from Rum and Coke to Hot Chocolate.
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Happy owner of a '66 and a '68 Mustang
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jbear
Grand Poobah Joined: January-21-2005 Location: Lake Wales FL. Status: Offline Points: 8193 |
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J_I_H; Must be an "age" thing. Thats the same way I do mine execpt I switch off of the Beam and Diet Coke. Gotta love FLA!
john |
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"Loud pipes save lives"
AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
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