11/10/2023
❄️WINTERISATION TIPS ❄️🛠️🔋–
With winter approaching we wanted to share our handy tips and knowledge on how to keep your engine in tip-top condition ✨
⭐️ Change oil and filter - this prevents unwanted acids and oxides in the oil from damaging the engine
⭐️ Drain saltwater system and flush with anti-freeze - the most important feature is that it prevents corrosion
⭐️ Renew fuel pre-filters and on engine fine filters - this will give an indication of the condition of your fuel
⭐️ Remove water pump impellor- this preserves the impellor as leaving it in one position for long periods will shorten its life
⭐️ Check fresh water coolant for density of anti freeze -
normally done with special type of hydrometer-
the cooling system should be drained and replaced with fresh mixture every two years, maybe longer depending on type of anti – freeze
Remember its primary job is to protect the engine against internal corrosion.
Pay particular attention if you have had an overheat and have topped up the cooling system with just water.
⭐️ If possible plug or tape up the inlet and exhaust - this prevents damp moist air from going into the cylinders
⭐️ Relax or preferably remove all the drive belts - this stops them from cracking and becoming misshapen by being in one place for long periods of time.
⭐️ Good check around your engine, inspect areas you would not normally venture to and check for anything amiss like leaks, badly corroded jubilee clips etc. This is a good time to get these sorted before the start of the coming season.
⭐️ Spray the engine all over with a corrosion inhibitor especially around the electrics and the drive belts pulley wheels, these often rust during the winter and if not cleaned up the belts will wear out and fail quickly. We use corrosion inhibitor because it gives a lasting protection and has been invaluable on our own RIBS.
⭐️ Before taking the boat out or leaving it for long periods of time we strongly advise that you fill your fuel tanks to prevent condensation this is a good time to administer some form of fuel additive to try and keep the diesel bug at bay. Again on our own vessels we use Marine 16 Diesel Maintenance which helps to remove the moisture in the tank a prevent the bug from growing.
⭐️ Take keys out ignition and place a tag stating "do not start" - To reduce the risk of starting a winterised engine.
🔆 At the beginning of the season just before you put her in the water :
Fit in new impellor and seal
Fit new belts
Unblock inlet and exhaust vents
Make sure all drains are closed
Check all fluid levels
For the winter period, if possible, batteries should be removed. Check the fluid level and charge the batteries every month. If you keep them on the boat with a shore power charger on then you must check the fluid levels regularly. If the batteries are over 4 years old then you might seriously think of replacing them. Whilst some batteries will last longer most seem to last about 3-5 years and, depending on how they are looked after, it could be much less.
Any members with further questions please call us on 📞 01489 557364
