Winterizing 8.1

[pepmyster]

Hi guys! Does anyone here have the steps to take to winterize a Merc 8.1(2008)? This engine is new to me, I've done the 5.7 and the 3.0 liter but not this one. Any help would be great!

[alswagg]

The Mercruiser owners manual has a very detailed step by step instructions.  Good luck  Al

[pedromerk]

what i dont understand is why should you have to drain the water from the block if you are flushing it through the muffs with antifreeze container, Pedro

[pepmyster]

That`s one way, my engine has the closed cooling system on it. I will have to find a manual

[alswagg]

The 8.1 is very easy,  basically you have two plugs on the sea water pump and an additional plug on the lower port side accumulator.    Another method is to use the air drain system,  pump up the air dumps until the system is completely drained.  Then you need to pop the air dump valve to close the drains.  At this time you can suck in the marine antifreeze to flush out any left over water.  There are so many differant versions of engines draining proceedures.  Please verify with the owners manual to properly drain your engine.  The 8.1 is an extreamly expensive engine to replace if winterizing is done incorrectly.  Good luck  Al

[pepmyster]

Thanks Al, I'm going to try to get the manual, that's always the safe bet!!!!!!!!!

[pepmyster]

Okay, after all the reading and checking , I couldn't get a straight answer on process. I mean..if the pump on the closed cooling was enough. So...I used the pump..the water came out as stated. Also. i removed the blue plugs. No water present. Then, I ran rv antifreeze throught the water muffs till it came out throught the exhaust. Now, I am sure there is no water present. Then I had a drink!!!!!!!

[alswagg]

You did verify the block antifreeze is good for -40* correct????  It should be unless somone added some water to the system.  Al

[pepmyster]

All was good alswagg !!! Thanks for asking!