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Winterizing 8.1 GXi E

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2023 6:22 am
by DFWdude
Does anyone have a comprehensive list of items to drain on this engine / boat setup? 2005 272 w 8.1 GXi E

1) Raw water pump
2) Circulation pump
3) Block, P&S
4) Manifolds, P&S
5) Heater core
6) Oil cooler?
7) Fuel filter housing?
8) T Stat housing?

Do 6, 7 & 8 drain via any of 1 -4, or must they be done separately?

The VP manuals don’t mention draining 5 - 8. I know for certain 5 must be done, but dont know about the others.

Also my boat has a head on it. We never used it, but does that system need any winterizing?

Thanks

Re: Winterizing 8.1 GXi E

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2023 1:44 pm
by DFWdude
It was driving me crazy, so I drove out to the boat during lunch.

Oil cooler drains when raw water supply pump lines are disconnected.
Fuel filter housing does have a water line from the T-stat housing.
T stat housing drains w circ pump line

Re: Winterizing 8.1 GXi E

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2023 11:12 am
by DEcosse
I no longer worry about draining it - I flush 5 gals of 'pink' RV/Marine antifreeze through it once its at temp (actually after doing the oil/filter change first) so whatever rsidual is left anywhere in the system is going to be coolant rather than water.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000AXQU2/?th=1
I also have a bilge heater which has automatic cut-on/off

Re: Winterizing 8.1 GXi E

Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2023 10:57 am
by bruceb58
Even if you use antifreeze...drain the block first. There is no guarantee that there will be 100% antifreeze in all portions of the block when you are done if you don't.

Pull the drain plugs...put all the plugs back in...pour antifreeze in to the hose that goes to the thermostat if you wish(assuming raw water cooled engine).