GTX DI Winterizing - Adding Anti-Freeze

[can128]

So I've owned my 1994 GTX for approx. 7 years and did the winterizing myself every year without any issues, so I'm looking to do the same with my 2000 GTX DI. I have the instrucitons from the shop manual and it seems pretty straight forward, except for the difference between adding Anti-Freeze to the Carbureted models and DI models.

My question is with the Inlet hose on the DI...

It apprears as though there is only one hose with a T connection on the Starboard side, and that is where the Anti-Freeze is added in the direction of the engine block.

Can someone please confirm this and provide pictures if possible?

 

[lamajama]

Hadn't considered there was a different process to a DI. I just read the manual as well and that seems rather intensive....With
my old carb models I only sucked in antifreeze through the intake area at the rear for seconds - until the AF came out the
the back. I don't need to go whole hog in Vancouver when we get freezing weather for a few days a month if that but I look
forward to the answers from members.

 

[can128]

So I decided to take the air compressor route as far as draining the water from the machine. I gave it a full flush then connected the fitting you see in the pictures below (which is the same fitting I use to drain my in-ground sprinklers). Gave it a few shots of around 90psi and watched every last drop of water leave the machine. Continued to drop in a little more anti-freeze just to cover all my bases.

I highly recommend using the air compressor method to get rid of all internal water.

 

[Toadman]

I am interested too to see what other people have done. I have heard of just using a bucket higher than the ski and then connect to the hose inlet and pull antifreeze until antifreeze starts coming out. I am concerned that if you don't follow the proper hose pinching and filling it with antifreeze per the manual (t fitting on the starboard side) that it won't get all of the water in the engine jacket. Any comments, and it does get pretty cold where i am at (Brighton, MI) but it is left year round in an insulated attached garage that only gets down to maybe 40 in the winter.

 

[can128]

I was worried about the same thing (proper pinching of the specified hoses). I think I did it properly, and between the air flushing and adding anti-freeze until I felt it was mixed in enough, it should be good to go. Toadman, if you're really concerned, use compressed air to force out any remaining water then give it the anti-freeze treatment until you see it pouring out the back.

 

[rotaxrule1]

I thought about compressed air too, but I am nervous about damaging any gaskets / o rings and potentially pushing any resident sand particles back through the exhaust. I have had good luck with just running antifreeze through until it pours out, I have never pinched my hoses like we are supposed to.

 

[lamajama]

Like I said previously here, pumping the AF through is all I have done and it's always worked - although it's
only been one year since I decided to do it as we rarely dip below zero...!

Can an experienced/expert specifically comment on the DI convoluted process though? Dr. Honda I'm looking at you..:thumbsup:

 

[Jsullynz]

gees guys just bring your skis to the east coast of Australia no need for this shit!!

 

[seadoo/skidoo]

all you guys are getting to worked up about winterizing procedures, everyone does it a bit different. personally i just run it dry for 20 secs, than pour antifreeze in while its running, shut it down and pinch off hoses fill motor till its full, than there is no water trapped in there just all antifreeze. And I leave my ski outside all winter up here in cold Canada.
you will also have corrosion protection all winter (you gotta think a bone dry aluminum block will corrode fast, especially a salt water ski) just my opinion :cheers:

Nathan

 

[anthonygrato]

How much anti freeze does one ski hold?

 

[seadoo/skidoo]

How much anti freeze does one ski hold?

depending on the ski. upwards of a gallon if your just filling, if your running it also, more.

Nathan

 

[rotaxrule1]

gees guys just bring your skis to the east coast of Australia no need for this shit!!

Believe me, I would if I could! Winter sucks!!

 

[Dugout]

Like I said previously here, pumping the AF through is all I have done and it's always worked - although it's
only been one year since I decided to do it as we rarely dip below zero...!

Can an experienced/expert specifically comment on the DI convoluted process though? Dr. Honda I'm looking at you..:thumbsup:

I do this for my DI, RFI & Boat (in boards). I have a 12v pump with a hose that goes in the antifreeze jug and garden hose fitting on the other end for the ski. Start the ski, start pump, run 2 gallons through ski, fog engine, shut off pump, shut off ski.

 

[Strizzo]

I do this for my DI, RFI & Boat (in boards). I have a 12v pump with a hose that goes in the antifreeze jug and garden hose fitting on the other end for the ski. Start the ski, start pump, run 2 gallons through ski, fog engine, shut off pump, shut off ski.

we used to just put the boat way up on the lift, and drop the outdrive to drain the water out of it, and then leave a drop light on in the engine compartment to keep things warm enough to keep from freezing.

 

[Toadman]

Update. I did the small pump method, and pushed about a gal and a half into it. After I was done I looked at the engine discharge line and it was still clear. So I got the hose punchers hose and funnel and followed the shop manual to winterize and now all the visible lines including the discharge line is pink. I Just wanted to give others my experience. Maybe this is the only way with the di's.