Will 717's crack in freezing weather ?

[Nathan Mayo]

I really think I am OK here, but it doesn't hurt to ask before I break something. We got frozen hard here in Orlando a few weeks ago and all the plants are dead, and my office pipes all froze solid. My Speedster was sitting unprotected in the parking lot, so I am sure any water in there also froze.

Is there any chance that I cracked something? If something IS cracked, can I make matters worse by attempting to start the engines now that we have warmed up? I'm nervous, but I don't want to spend money and time needlessly tearing into a false fear.

Thanks,

nathan mayo

 

[seadooya]

only way to find out, is to take to water or hook hose to it, and with hatch open, watch for leaks.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yes... the jugs can crack if they freezzzzzz.

But... since you are probably running with salt water... you may have saved yourself since it freezes at lower temps.

Most of the time the engine will run fine... it will just leak (or spray) water into the engine compartment.

Look around the corners of the jugs, and the welded in plugs on the pipe. if you don't see any cracks... take it out for a run, and look into the engine compartment to look for leaks.

If you do find a leak... most of the time you can have the part welded up

 

[seadoosnipe]

TLCS (total loss cooling system)

I really think I am OK here, but it doesn't hurt to ask before I break something. We got frozen hard here in Orlando a few weeks ago and all the plants are dead, and my office pipes all froze solid. My Speedster was sitting unprotected in the parking lot, so I am sure any water in there also froze.

Is there any chance that I cracked something? If something IS cracked, can I make matters worse by attempting to start the engines now that we have warmed up? I'm nervous, but I don't want to spend money and time needlessly tearing into a false fear.

Thanks,

nathan mayo

If your drain lines are not clogged, you should be fine. Just for the short freeze. I don't normally winterize because I live just north of you but when I saw this cold front coming, I jumped out there and forced some down her tubes....

If you look at this drawing you'll see exhaust manifold. Notice that small elbow fitting on it. That's your calibrated fitting. That's where your water also drains out of your cylinders when you pull the boat out of the water. So, as long as it's not stopped up and you were not in the water, there should be no water in the cylinders.

The biggest problems with freezing is the water box. The water left inside your exhaust system will freeze because you can't drain it 100%.

Also, if there is any residual left in your cylinders, there is a slight possibility of them cracking but if it is working correctly, I think your cool.

Like Dr. Honda said, give it a start. Look for leaks along your water jacket.:cheers: