Winterizing 2 Stroke Seadoos.

[Seadoosam]

So let's be real, here in the northeast boating season is coming to a close unless you are a diehard . I have a question that I hope doesn't start Forum World War I. So, I always have been winterizing all my watercraft. But, my friend doesn't winterize. He simply turns it on and blows all the water out of the engine! Is this even a thing? Does it even work? I'm sure I will get many conflicting opinions on this! Regardless of the outcome I will still winterize I just want to hear others thoughts.

 

[racerxxx]

In the freeze zone you should use antifreeze, not just a blow out. While it works for your buddy to me it's not with the risk. I can winterize a ski in about 20 to 30 minutes tops

 

[yamaracing]

agree on the antifreeze cheap insurance along with some fogger!

 

[soccerdad]

Basic question. On a 787, IF the drains are working correctly, does water stay in the cylinder jackets? I assume this is the area of concern for freezing? What part of the ski is at risk from the freezing? I know many of you have seen freeze damage. So what if freezing and breaking. I have only seen pictures of cracked water jackets up near the head.

 

[CReynoldsMIZ]

Basic question. On a 787, IF the drains are working correctly, does water stay in the cylinder jackets? I assume this is the area of concern for freezing? What part of the ski is at risk from the freezing? I know many of you have seen freeze damage. So what if freezing and breaking. I have only seen pictures of cracked water jackets up near the head.

If the drains are working theoretically the water jackets should drain I believe, but I'm not sure the drains are at the 100% lowest part of the jacket. But you never know if there is a clog from sand or salt build up. I guess if you wanna check you can pull the head but it's not worth the trouble. Also there is an area on the head cover that can crack and bulge out. I know [MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION] posted a picture of it once before.

 

[yamaracing]

running on a hose in yard will back flush the system and any salt or sand should "ideally" drain everything out. then to run a mix of RV antifreeze through the system along with spraying the carb and then remove the spark plugs and spray fogger in there also and reinstall spark plugs. shut fuel off and add marine stabil into has tank. this is not a full list but should give you an idea..

 

[racerxxx]

If the engine completely drained they wouldn't have put the procedure in the manual. No way would I ever risk it.


Some nice guy made this a few years ago.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?67608-1996-XP-Winterization

 

[Mickirig1]

There are just too many things that can clog the drain line. Our favorite lake was drawn down for winter recently. I sucked weeds twice to the point I had to clear the intake grate. So I know some got into the cooling system. It's just not worth it, to not put the antifreeze in it. Fog the hell out of the engine too. Put Stabilize marine blue in gas tank at correct concentration a few days before winterizing. Have it running not for long and try to stall it spraying oil in air box. Put the spark plug wires on the E-Box grounding posts. Spray the fogging oil in as you operate starter, spray each cylinder. Have it outside in the spring for the first start up. It will throw a big cloud of white smoke.

 

[soccerdad]

If the engine completely drained they wouldn't have put the procedure in the manual. No way would I ever risk it.


Some nice guy made this a few years ago.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?67608-1996-XP-Winterization

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't advocating not winterizing. But if you know what you are protecting, and why you can make sure you do a better job at it. Not reinventing, second guessing or anything, just for basic knowledge.... I did use your posted thread the last two years for my winterization without issue. Thanks

 

[Mickirig1]

I have owned my Ski's for 3 years. Winterized every Fall. They start right up in the spring and run great the first time out. You are putting them in hibernation, waiting for the spring and water temp to climb.

 

[mikidymac]

As others have said it depends on where you are and why take a chance. I fog after every ride and use marine stabil at the end of the season. It might get to 32 degrees a few days in the winter so we never use marine antifreeze and never have issues.