Checking Engine drain hose 96 sportster

[larrybr45]

Getting ready for first winterization.

Manual says check engine drain hose running from engine manifold fitting to outlet socket. Make sure there is no sand etc. in it....

How do you check this to get ready for winterization? The whole thing to me seems sealed up as most of it is metal tubes. Not sure how I can see/know if there are any obstructions in it. I am wondering though if I am talking the correct piece? I am referencing a tube connected to the purple cylynder at the rear of the boat that exausts water (the exhaust pipe). Is the manual referencing me to check the smaller blackish (it might be clear I cannot remember right now) flexible tube (about 1/2" wide) that runs from the engine, has a "t" in it of which one goes to the drain outlet (where skis are hooked up) and the other connects right near the exhaust outlet? If so again, how is this checked for obstructions.

thanks!

 

[Flightfollowing]

blow into it.

 

[Gamerse]

Water should exit 4 places when running the engine using the upper flush fitting.

1.The Jet pump
2.The exhaust
3.The small ski rope hook hole (one of them)
4.The fitting that looks like the flush fitting, but is located on the right, slightly above the pump. This is the fitting the FSM is referring to. It is "calibrated" to flow X amount of water, so if it became clogged, the engine would run to warm, and the exhaust would get choked with water.

The system runs backwards when you are flushing. This should, in theory, clear most or all deposits. The book recommends plugging the lower "calibrated" fitting. The truth is, you can connect your water hose to it, and leave the flush fitting capped. They are "T"ed together, so it is the same connection. You will have to start the engine first, and then apply water slowly, enough to cool, not build pressure.

When your done with that, plug that lower fitting, start the engine, and pour pet safe antifreeze in until it runs out the exhaust. This is neccessary as the previous owner of my boat, had it winterized by a shop that was not qualified, and the #2 cylinder expanded and cracked the outside of the jug. #1 swelled, but survived.

:cheers:
Ernest

 

[larrybr45]

Your information is great and where I want to get to.

But just following the manual, how do I check the hose? Someone mentioned blow in it? Again there could be 2 tubes it is referencing. Are they talking the small diameter flexible tube, or the solid pipe. How do you actually check it for sand etc. My sense on the manual is they were referring to one tube, not necessarily all you are talking about?
thanks

 

[Gamerse]

The easiest thing to do would be remove the hoses from the head of the engine, and look down in it. If there is any crud or sand, all you can do is flush. Without going into a long spill, you are looking for anything that is out of place, dry rot, cracks, rubs, leaks, contamination ect. This guide from gates should have you covered.

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2833&location_id=3369

:cheers:
Ernest